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Dan Zinkland

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Twin-Row Strip-Till Attracts Farmers

Strip-twinning helps farmers increase in-row spacing between corn plants, exposes corn to more sunlight and can increase yields.

By Dan Zinkland posted on August 1, 2011 | Posted in Precision Agriculture

Argyle, Iowa, grower Brian Klemme began twin-row strip-tilling corn in the spring of 2009 because he wanted to increase plant populations and spacing within rows and, hopefully, increase yields.

Strip-Tillers Narrowing Their Options

Growers using rows less than 30 inches are preserving residue and still getting the many strip-till benefits they’re accustomed to.

By Dan Zinkland posted on August 1, 2011 | Posted in Residue Management

Whether it’s strip-tilling on 20- or 22-inch rows, a small, but dedicated number of strip-tillers are making narrow rows work for them.

Finding The Right Fit With Fertility

To be more efficient with fertilizer, strip-tillers must be use caution in cutting rates and put nutrients where they do more good than harm.

By Dan Zinkland posted on May 1, 2011 | Posted in Nutrient Management

One reason why growers are turning to strip-till is so they can place nutrients in the soil where plants need them.

Single-Disc Fertilizer Openers Cut Costs, Boost Flexibility

Many openers on the market can help no-tillers cover more acres and expand application windows without disturbing residue.

By Dan Zinkland posted on May 1, 2011 | Posted in Equipment

Using single-disc fertilizer openers instead of shanks to apply expensive fertilizer can help no-tillers save money on labor, fuel and equipment and improve no-till profitability.

Digging Deep For Answers

Soil pits can help no-tillers answer questions about crop development, compaction and soil quality.

By Dan Zinkland posted on March 1, 2011 | Posted in Soil Health, Water Management

Three experienced scientists say soil pits are another tool no-tillers can use to examine soil structure, root development, compaction, soil quality and other important agronomical issues.

Tune Up Your Strip-Till Fertilizer Program

Strip-tillers share how they boost fertilizer efficiency by varying rates and mixing up timing, placement and equipment.

By Dan Zinkland posted on February 1, 2011 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming

Whether they’re veterans or rookies, six strip-tillers across the U.S. are paying close attention to their fertilizer programs to maximize profitable production of corn, soybeans and other crops

No-Tiller Plants Seeds Of Success

Garth Mulkey improved soil structure,cut costs and nearly tripled the lineup of seed crops grown on his Oregon farm by committing to no-till

By Dan Zinkland posted on February 1, 2011 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

Tillage radishes do double duty for Monmouth, Ore., no-tiller Garth Mulkey.

Ohio Field Day Yields Tips To Enhance No-Till

No-tillers can use liquid manure and cover crops to improve their soil structure and yields if they follow some simple guidelines, experts say.

By Dan Zinkland posted on December 1, 2010 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management

No tillers have many cover-crop options that can improve soil tilth, warm up temperatures at planting time, manage pest problems and much more, according to experts who spoke to about 100 no-tillers attending the Ohio No-Till Council’s field day earlier this fall.

Key Traits in Corn Hybrids, Soybean Varieties Can Maximize No-Till Success

Early season vigor, standability, stay-green and disease tolerance are among the top criteria for selecting seed that excels in no-till.

By Dan Zinkland posted on November 1, 2010 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Crop Protection

With 32 years experience no-tilling corn and 29 years no-tilling soybeans, western Ohio farmer Jim Longenecker has given a great deal of thought to what he wants in a hybrid for no-till.

Ingenious Toolbar Offers Great Capacity, Flexibility For Strip-Tiller

Shane Houck designed a 60-foot-wide, front-folding-frame toolbar for strip-tilling, planting corn and soybeans and sidedressing corn, too.

By Dan Zinkland posted on November 1, 2010 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming

Just down the road from the machine shed of Pennville, Ind., strip-tiller Shane Houck, a tan boulder stands halfway between the edge of the cornfield and the county blacktop. Cut into the top of the rock is the inscription, “Houck Homestead Farm 1838.”

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