“What Impact is My Tillage System Having on Soil Health?” Field Day, July 1st

Are you interested in systems like strip tillage, but are unsure if reduced tillage actually has much of an impact on soil and its erosion potential? Do you currently practice reduced tillage and would like to see what is going on at and below the surface of your soil? Do you advise farmers and would like to see for yourself what impact long-term tillage systems can have on soil health indicators? These questions and more will be addressed at the “What Impact is My Tillage System Having on Soil Health” field day, July 1st, at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC) in Lamberton.

The field day will begin with registration at 8:00 am, and the program will run from 8:30 to 2:30. The field day will be a combination of hands-on activities and presentations highlighting research-based information. Results of tests for soil quality indicators in three long-term tillage systems will be presented. Participants will also have the opportunity to measure differences in soil health indicators across the tillage systems in the field (weather permitting).

The field day is designed for farmers and anyone who works with farmers, including agronomists, consultants, seed dealers, NRCS, SWCD, agency personnel, non-profits, and Extension Educators. All interested are welcome to attend!!

Dr. Dave Franzen, Extension Soils Specialist, North Dakota State University, will discuss the impacts of soil erosion and if this is really something we need to worry about. Jodi DeJong-Hughes, U of MN Extension Educator in Crops, will discuss what is going on with soil biology in different tillage systems and take the group on a tour of soil pits in the different systems. Dr. Jeff Strock, Soil Scientist at the SWROC, will highlight the impacts of tillage on water infiltration.

Liz Stahl, Extension Educator in Crops, will discuss some of the agronomic impacts of reduced tillage systems. Jennifer Hahn, Brown County District Conservationist, and Brian Pfarr, Redwood County, USDA-NRCS, will lead demonstrations on wind erosion and water infiltration, and with Dr. Axel Garcia, Cropping Systems Specialist, will work with attendees to conduct soil health indicator tests in the field.

Program sponsors include U of MN Extension, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, and the USDA-NRCS.

A registration fee will be collected at the door to help cover program expenses and lunch will be provided. The program will be held rain or shine! Continuing Education Credits for Certified Crop Advisors have been applied for (4.0 SW and 0.5 CM).

For further details about the program, check out the program flyer at: http://z.umn.edu/lttillageday. Please contact Liz Stahl at 507-372-3900 / stah0012@umn.edu if you have any questions about the program.