The lasts seasons corn stubble is surrounded by winter wheat
Within the last five years the term “soil health” has been promoted with broad claims, but little detail. Most Delaware farmers should be aware that the practice of no-till, performed in the Mid-Atlantic region since the 70’s, is relatively new to other parts of the country. Our farmers are typically well aware of the value of organic matter and tillage practices, especially considering how much it helps our weathered, coastal soils. Many examples about the benefits of soil health come from farms in the Mid-West, as they determine whether the benefits of reduced tillage and cover crops fit their farms and soil types.
We have a system of double cropping which utilizes a small grain cover crop in the winter, followed by a nitrogen building legume (soybeans) in the summer. Although winter wheat, rye, or barley have been grown as commodities in our region, and not just cover crops, they still helped reduce the erosion of our topsoil. Newer programs in our region have expanded the use of small grains for nutrient uptake, biomass and tillage (radish), while understanding the benefit of living roots in our soils year round. These cover crop practices have been easier to implement in Delaware, as our farmers are well aware of the benefits of small grains in our rotations.
The issue with soil health isn’t that the claims are generally true, we just don’t know the measurable value across all soil types and management practices. We have always touted the benefits of organic matter, but when you get into the details, you can’t just add wood chips to a corn field and expect increased soil health (you can expect your N to be tied up). More residue on the surface helps build organic matter and regulate soil temperature, but is also a home to pathogens, keeping them close to your seedbed. Management is still specific to soils and expected outcomes. We have spent years studying the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils, helping increase soil quality and yields simultaneously. As our attention shifts to a better understanding of the diverse biological community beneath our feet, we must study how agronomic practices can pair soil health with your operation’s needs and expectations.
So don’t expect overnight results with soil health, especially if you have already been using cover crops and reduced tillage for years. Instead ask how will further shifts in management change your nutrient cycling, weed and pest management, and let us know how we can help answer questions.
