Articles by John Dobberstein

Tri-State Fertilizer ‘Bible’ Gets First Tweaks in Quarter Century

Nitrogen calculator and a switch to Mehlich-3 extraction highlight first-ever updates to the Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations.

By John Dobberstein posted on February 25, 2021 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Researchers say the update was necessary to simplify some of the formulas, and because soils were sampled much differently 25 years ago than they are today, with higher soil sampling densities the rule now.

First-Ever Virtual NNTC a Hit with Attendees

Hundreds of growers across North America and the globe attended the 29th annual National No-Tillage Conference online to soak up no-till learning.

By John Dobberstein posted on February 4, 2021 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops

ENTERING uncharted waters this year as a virtual program, the 29th National No-Tillage Conference (NNTC) was still a major success online as it attracted hundreds of attendees from all over North America and internationally who wanted to learn how to boost their no-till knowledge.

Quantifying Soil Health and Plant-Available Water

By John Dobberstein posted on January 28, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Many growers in the semi-arid parts of the Great Plains are getting used to hearing that improving soil health will help them store more water in the soil for their plants.

Respecting the ‘Sacred’ No-Till Planter Pass

The secret to planting success boils down to not only equipment choices but measuring, verifying and doing the little things well, says Bill Lehmkuhl.

By John Dobberstein posted on December 31, 2020 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Equipment

When Bill Lehmkuhl started doing planter clinics in 1994, he says most growers spent more time managing their harvesting equipment than their planter.

Honoring Stalwarts, Pioneers in the No-Till Movement

By John Dobberstein posted on December 30, 2020 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

Three individuals and one organization are being recognized as the 25th class of No-Till Innovators for their commitment to the advancement of no-till farming systems in North America and worldwide.

Conflicting Stories, Messages Don’t Help Watersheds or No-Till Adoption

If we’re ever going to get anywhere with increasing conservation practices and fixing environmental issues in our watersheds we need to get consistent with the messaging.

By John Dobberstein posted on December 10, 2020

The USDA recently named 379 priority watersheds where they intend to help farmers improve water quality via focused financial and technical resources through the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI).

Back to Basics with No-Till Planting

Leveling Your No-Till Planter for Better Results

A simple review of the planter bar’s setup can help no-tillers prevent many problems with seed placement and furrow closing and provide you with better planting results.

By John Dobberstein posted on December 4, 2020 | Posted in Equipment, Precision Agriculture

This is part one of a four-article series covering the essentials of no-till planting and seeding to help growers get better results

From ‘Trash Farming’ to No-Till Success

Cover crop grazing and rotational diversity has made farming more successful and profitable for Tonkawa, Okla., grower and conservation advocate Rick Jeans.

By John Dobberstein posted on December 3, 2020 | Posted in Cover Crops, Equipment, Residue Management

DECADES AGO, no-tilling was considered to be “trash farming” in north-central Oklahoma and wasn’t a very popular practice.

Long-Term No-Till Plots Unlock Secrets of the Soil

Southern Illinois University researchers share data that explains the efficiency and effectiveness of no-till systems when it comes to profitable yields, nutrient cycling, earthworm populations and more.

By John Dobberstein posted on November 5, 2020 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

LONG-TERM DATA from one of the oldest sets of no-till research plots in the U.S. has unearthed a number of interesting findings that confirm no-tilled soils become more efficient and productive over time and do a better job of storing carbon than with tilled fields.

Applying Manure in Standing Crops Helps No-Tillers ‘Reel In’ Higher Yields

HOSE STAYS PUT. The Cadman Continuous Manure Applicator (CMA) pulls up to half a mile of hose behind the applicator. When the CMA turns, the swivel arm swings to the side, allowing the hose to stay in the same row it was pulled out on, and the hose is re-wound onto the rig.

By John Dobberstein posted on October 20, 2020 | Posted in Equipment, Nutrient Management

Applying manure to no-tilled fields can be a tough business, as it’s not always easy to do it without compacting or tearing up the ground.

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Sustainable Agriculture Summit Shines Light on No-Till, Strip Till & Cover Crops

During the Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Minneapolis, Minn., Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, the president of Field to Market who also farms in Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio, shared why it is important for no-tillers and strip-tillers to share their knowledge with other farmers.

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