Prevent Plant Managment
With state-wide prevent plant acres pegged at 5.7 million, I’m guessing there are more than a few of you who are struggling with just how to prepare those acres for next year’s crop. Here are a few management strategies to think through.
First, consider mechanical practices. Look at your fields to consider whether field drainage could be beneficial. Then get after it! Surface drainage and culverts should be clear of debris and all ditches cut to grade with a laser or satellite. And consider tile drainage, as it is the best way to control the water table, Ph, and soluble salt concentrations in your soil.
Also consider your chemical practices. If you spray mostly Glyphosate and have Prevent Plant Acres, you really should think about breaking up the Glyphosate cycle. Use 2-4-D or Gramaxone or something other than Roundup.
Lastly, consider cultural practices. Cover crops are a great way to improve your soil tilth.
There are two options I recommend:
- Use a grass crop like barley or oats to control soil and wind erosion.
- Use three different crops: one should provide cover and organic matter (oats, barely, or millet); the second should be a deep tap-rooted crop to break up compaction layers (sugarbeet, radishes, turnips); and the third should be a legume to help fix nitrogen (field pea, clover, etc).
Disclaimer: These practices are only possible if the fields aren’t too wet. If you have any issues with too-wet fields, you’ll have talk to Mother Nature (but I’m not too sure that will help you!)
