Regenerative Agriculture: Minimizing Tillage Operation for Sustainable Potato Planting. How can we prepare the ground for potato planting while minimizing the number of tillage operation? Understanding the need to reduce tillage operation is crucial. With each tillage operation, the soil structure is disrupted, soil quality and biology diminish, carbon is released into the atmosphere, and soil erosion risk escalates. Thus, avoiding unnecessary tilling is paramount. Traditionally, our approach involved tilling the soil using a moldboard plow in late fall or before the onset of winter, followed by two passes of the harrow in spring before planting potatoes, totaling three passes. How can we streamline this process to just one tillage pass? Consider planting annual cover crops such as Sudan sorghum, peas, beans, pearl millet, brassica, etc., in spring or later and mow them before they reach seed maturity. Cease mowing as late fall approaches, as frost in New Brunswick will naturally terminate these crops. At this stage, refraining from tilling the ground is advisable; instead, await the following spring. On the day before or on the same day as potato planting in spring, perform a single pass with a chisel plow, then plant the potatoes. In this demonstration, we utilize the John Deere Karat 10, renowned for effectively preparing the soil for potato cultivation. By employing this method, you've reduced the tillage passes to just one. A large number of our growers, including Alyre and Paul Poitras, are very innovative and have been implementing these regenerative practices over time, doing very inspiring work. This not only conserves resources and finances but also rejuvenates the soil, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, it helps produce the best quality food and preserves ecosystems. The selection of cover crop species depends on many factors, so please choose them wisely for your area to maximize their benefits. At the Farm of the Future, any operation we do, our tractors or equipment travel on designated permanent tracks (control traffic system), ensuring minimal soil compaction and further promoting sustainable land management practices. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated and adapt Farm of the Future team for their successful implementation of regenerative practices. Safety comes first for our team! #McCainFarms #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableAgri #CarbonSequestration #ClimateMitigation #FieldPreparation #RegenerativePotato #SafetyFirst
Also thanks for sharing....Might I add to not underestimate the regenerative power of controlled traffic farming (CTF) systems to isolate and manage compaction. CTF is essential in zero or minimum till systems especially in low rainfall, refuced biodiversity and low carbon situations.
Do you use smaller tractors? Less HP savings on fuel included?
Agrey Nyakunga Daan Andreas
Very informative. I always look forward to seeing your posts !!
On raised permanant beds?
What is the cost of production where you are? Average yield? $$$
This is very interesting and I enjoy seeing content like this on LinkedIn. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.
Kudos to the innovative efforts of growers like Alyre and Paul Poitras and the Farm of the Future team for championing these practices.
Regional Manager at AGCO - Precision Planting
6moThe primary purpose of a ripper shank on a tillage tool is to eliminate the horizontal compaction layer by lifting and fracturing the soil continuously from shank to shank. Agronomic studies recommend in-line shanks that penetrate the soil to a depth at least half the width of the shank spacing. Staggered shanks reduce draft force and horsepower but compromise effective fracturing of the compaction layer. Consider the Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. inline subsoiler. Running its shanks at a depth of half the shank spacing width effectively removes the horizontal compaction layer. Afterward, use the Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. Turbo-Max to manage fall residue and perform spring tillage in one pass. In the short term, I recommend using a tile probe to feel each horizontal compaction layer in the soil. Then, observe a field worked with a subsoiler and Turbo-Max to see the difference. #TurboMax #SubSoiler #FarmerFirst