Summary
In the spring tillage tool field research trial held in Floyd
County, Iowa this growing season, five different tillage tools
were evaluated. One of the prime reasons for conducting the
test was to determine the effects different tools had on soil
density. Various sources have made claims regarding the positive
and negative effects certain tillage tools have on soil density
and subsequently root growth and development. In this field
research, done on a commercial scale and under the supervision
of an independent agronomist, no sign of the creation of a
horizontal density layer change by any of the tillage tools
in the test were observed when crop roots were evaluated by
the agronomist. Yield results in the study in fact showed
higher yields for the disc harrow, combination soil finisher
and field cultivator vs. the “vertical” tillage
tools.
Test results indicate that proper seed bed tillage that results
in early, uniform, and high percentage emergence are beneficial
to achieving the highest yields. Some of the characteristics
of a proper seed bed are: good soil and residue mixing, well
aerated soil, small clod size and level finish.
Similar testing is planned for subsequent years. |
