The Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Meeker and Kandiyohi Counties, along with University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition are planning a soil health field day on Tuesday, August 13th, from 4:30-to-7 p.m. It will be held at the Jay Hedtke farm – north of Grove City – at 53825 County State Aid Highway 16.
Visitors can see how Jay incorporates no-till, interseeding of cover crops, and incorporation of livestock and small grains into his crop production operation. You will be able to look at how different tillage implements impact soil disturbance and seedbed preparation. A comparison of infiltration rate and soil erosion using a rainfall simulator will also show differences between Jay’s soil health production system with a conventional system. Over time, reduced tillage and use of cover crops increases organic matter and improves soil aggregation and structure.
Evidence has shown that every 1% increase in soil organic matter in a silt loam soil results in an increase of .4 inches of water holding capacity, meaning corn could go another 2 days before needing a rain event in a system with increased soil organic matter. Reducing soil erosion also keeps valuable topsoil and nutrients in our fields.
The free field day will focus on how to incorporate soil health practices with a practical agronomic lens and will feature local farmer expertise, U of M educators, SWCD and Minnesota Soil Health Coalition staff. The event includes a complimentary dinner. Reservations are requested. Go to z.umn.edu/SoilHealthFieldDay or call Ann Steinhaus at 612-394-5229.
