As no-tillers strive for higher yields, they're no-tilling earlier every year - often in cold soils that leave seed more vulnerable to insects and diseases. In colder soils, there's also less microbial action to break down nutrients and get them into a plant-available form.

Phosphorus management is best understood by balancing the close-up view against the big picture.

A simple question about using starter fertilizers set off a long string of postings recently on the No-Till Farmer Web site. No-tillers also were inquiring about problems with fertilizer pumps and one person wanted to find out if he should buy a weight transfer system. If you are looking for a place to share your thoughts, ideas or philosophies, please visit www.no-tillfarmer.com.

Because the weather often is the determining factor in how early no-till planting can begin, Bill Hammitt holds a “wait-and-see” attitude rather than strictly adhering to a planting system previously mapped out.