There’s a sense of satisfaction after tile has been installed and a field has a new drainage system. With sufficient outlet for drainage water movement, farmers can look forward to a more manageable, productive field and higher crop yields. But a new drainage system is not a “one and done” type of thing, says drainage… Read More
Category: Compaction
Farmers across Canada care deeply about their soil but Derek and Tannis Axten of Axten Farms take it to a whole other level. The Minton, Sask., farmers’ commitment is is even written into their company’s tagline — loyal to the soil. “The reason I like it is it kind of reminds us that everything we… Read More
Case IH has introduced its most powerful tractor yet, the Steiger 715 QuadTrac. This large tractor is powered by a new 16-litre engine, though operators will be pleased to find the large engine is easily accessible without needing to fully open the large hood, says Patrick Landry of Case IH. The brand new 715 was on… Read More
Is it efficient to use autonomous vehicle in row crop agriculture in southwestern Ontario? That’s a question cash crop farmer Mark Richards is wrestling with on his Dresden, Ont. farm. In 2022, he used a solar-powered FarmDroid robot to plant sugar beets. That machine found it challenging to adapt to the widespread use of strip… Read More
How do you cover acres quickly during planting season with big equipment without causing compaction and compromising yield? Cliff Horst and his brother, Dale, make it happen with a 24-row Harvest International planter and a Fendt 1038 tractor. The brothers farm in Perth County, Ont., and also operate Country Custom Ag, providing custom services to… Read More
A properly calibrated planter can make a key contribution to corn yield but could the planter wheels be causing yield-robbing soil compaction? Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs corn specialist Ben Rosser says it’s important for growers to be aware of soil compaction on or around corn rows during planting. On this episode… Read More
What impact do higher-yielding corn crops have on no-till soybeans? That’s a question many growers are asking as they prepare to plant no-till soybeans into high levels of corn residue that can keep soil cooler in spring, impact emergence and reduce stands. Growers also have to contend with soil compaction caused by difficult harvest conditions… Read More
Mitas is determined to drive the next generation of self-propelled sprayers with its HC 1000 narrow rim option (NRO) tires. The tire brand rolled out the radial flotation tire at the National Farm Machinery Show at Louisville, Kentucky, last month. In this interview, Trelleborg marketing manager Chris Neidert says the tire is built to handle up… Read More
There are two key messages from this episode of The Agronomists: avoiding compaction and minimizing topsoil movement is well worth the planning and effort, because the alternative results in significant yield loss and is expensive to fix. To dig in (!) to the topic, host Lyndsey Smith is joined by guests Dr. Jeff Schoenau, from… Read More
Ahh, the wonders of healthy soil. From water-holding capacity, pest and disease regulation, to nutrient cycling and physical stability, a robust and resilient soil gives farmers a huge advantage in crop production. But what makes a healthy soil? How can we measure its fitness and whether it’s in top farming shape? That’s a question soil… Read More