Should I (Still) Be Tilling My Fields?

FBN Network

Oct 23, 2023

One of the most common questions we hear is "should I (still) be tilling my fields?" Like most questions in agriculture, the answer depends heavily on your goals and expectations.

Why Is Soil Structure Important?

Basic soil structure is critical when considering tillage practices. Over time, good soil structure can provide numerous benefits to your fields by:

  • Reducing bulk density

  • Improving aggregate stability

  • Increasing organic matter

  • Limiting soil erosion

  • Optimizing soil fertility

  • Enhancing water infiltration

  • Increasing microbial activity

  • Resisting compaction

  • Expanding available water

How Does Compaction Affect Soil Structure?

Compaction is a principal reason growers till. Aggressive primary tillage implements such as in-line subsoil rippers, disk rippers and moldboard plows can destroy soil structure, but they can also help alleviate compaction issues. 

Fieldwide compaction develops from multiple trips across your soil throughout the growing season especially during harvest. Heavy grain carts and combines can cause compaction, the potential for which increases on wet, saturated soils.

Consider reducing the weight on your combine and grain carts by unloading more often. Also, driving the tractor/grain cart in a track previously created by the combine can help minimize field wide compaction concerns. The majority of compaction occurs after the first pass by the combine, so you can lower the footprint of your equipment by following the same path. 

How to Offset Compaction with Tillage

If you decide to limit tillage this fall, focus on the double-tracked areas of the field, leaving the rest to a less aggressive tillage plan or even no-till. Keep in mind, however, that surface compaction can occur even when the soils are not saturated.

The key to removing compaction with tillage is understanding the depth of the compaction pan. Don’t grab the deepest tillage implement you own; rather, till only a couple of inches below the pan.

Trench compaction caused by a tractor or combine should be handled through multiple light tillage passes with a less aggressive implement at an angle to fill in the trench. If the compaction zone is excessively deep, consider filling the trench and leave the rest to Mother Nature. Field tile may be beneficial if you find your equipment making deep, compacting trenches.

Remember, the best way to combat soil compaction is prevention. Once compaction occurs, it can take years for the land to become highly productive again. 

Understanding your goals and expectations will help you decide whether to till or not to till. Whatever you decide, do your best to protect the soil for future generations.

Purchase Key Inputs from FBN Direct®

FBN Direct has a diverse array of crop protection, crop nutrition, seed and other key inputs you need to keep your operation running smoothly.

With 24/7 digital shopping access, direct-to-farm delivery, transparent pricing and savings opportunities, and detailed label information for each product, FBN Direct offers the information and products you need to build an effective crop protection strategy this season. 


Sources:

1. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/fall-tillage-and-tillage-equipment

2. https://extension.umn.edu/soil-management-and-health/fall-tillage-wet-soil-conditions

3.https://extension.umn.edu/soil-management-and-health/tillage-implements#sources-1232660


© 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, "Farmers First", “FBN Direct” , "F2F", and "F2F Genetics Network" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.

FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. If applicable, please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice and excludes CA mills tax and MN ACRRA fees. Terms and conditions apply.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license to use restricted use pesticides. Please consult your state department of agriculture for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted use pesticides, as some products require specific record-keeping requirements.

All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business, or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

FBN Network

Oct 23, 2023