Zero till farming has evolved from discussions about opener design 40 years ago to in-depth studies of soil chemistry, biology and physics.
Science now plays a much greater role.
This fact prompted the Manitoba– North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association (MANDAK) to rewrite its zero till production manual.
The new manual, titledBeyond the Beginning: Zero-Till Evolution,will be unveiled during the Annual Zero Till Workshop to be held in Brandon Feb. 1-3.
Keeping abreast of rapidly evolving technology is one of the biggest challenges facing zero-till farmers, which prompted the association to publish its first zero till production manual in 1991. It served as a basic primer for novice zero till producers and is still used today.
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The organization published Advancing the Artin 1997 as an update on growing crops without cultivation. This manual also remains in use today, said MANDAK executive secretary Alan Ness of Underwood, North Dakota.
Work on a third zero tillage production manual started about three years ago.
“In the years since the first two manuals were printed, ongoing farmer experiences coupled with inquiries by the scientific community have verified the soil and environmental benefits which early zero till producers spoke of,” Ness said.
“It now seems appropriate to publish a manual aimed at discussing the long-term benefits of zero tillage.”
MANDAK president Darren Wetter of Brandon said the new manual focuses on soil biology and the relationship between plants and their surroundings.
“This manual is a result of the continuing efforts and insights of farmers, scientists, extension and university specialists to understand the dynamics involved with zero-till farming systems,” Wetter said.
“Since the publication ofAdvancing the Art,zero till has continued to evolve as we better understand soil biology and function.
“Our goal was to publish information that would encourage farmers and agricultural scientists to further improve farming without tillage.”
Wetter said the manual contains information from experienced zero-till farmers and researchers. It is not a specific set of production recommendations because registered product uses and official recommendations vary between Manitoba and North Dakota.
The workshop agenda includes new subjects not previously discussed at the annual zero-till meeting:
• strip till and vertical till in southern Manitoba;
• row crop response to strip till and fertilizer placement;
• seeding in wet conditions;
• zero till in Argentina;
• herbicide resistant weeds;
• zero till in Australia;
• handling stripper header stubble.
For more information about the workshop, phone Alan Ness at 701- 220-5141, email mandak@westriv.com or visit www.mandakzerotill.org.
