Agriculture Calendar

Area farmers in recent years have reduced the amount of tillage they do for a variety of reasons. Farmers will explain the importance of moisture and soil conservation and the reduction in labor, fuel and machinery needs when they discuss reduced tillage.

All of the issues were evident this spring when seedbeds were dry and fuel and machinery costs increased dramatically. Even with a very dry spring wind erosion was at a minimum because of the crop residue that remained on the soil surface. With all of these advantages, an issue that does not get mentioned often is the improved soil health as the result of reduced tillage.

These soil health issues will be demonstrated at a Soil Health Clinic July 15 at 6 p.m. The clinic will be held seven miles south of Minot (from Wal-Mart) and one mile west on County Road 18 or 135th Ave SE. The clinic will gather at the Saron Lutheran Church.

Participants will have an opportunity to look at four-foot pits in a no-till field, a CRP field, and a field that has recently been converted to a one pass system. These pits will demonstrate the difference in rooting depth, soil structure and water infiltration.

Jon Stika, resource soils scientist for the Natural Resource Conservation Service, will talk about those issues as well as soil compaction, organic matter, improved tilth and soil erosion. Stika will explain how all these items affect crop performance.

This clinic is organized by the Ward County Agricultural Improvement Association and the Ward County Soil Conservation District. Following the clinic there will be barbecue at the Saron Lutheran Church. This clinic is open to everyone at no cost.