Enhance soil health at Ohio no-till

By Andi Anderson

Ohio farmers and landowners have the opportunity to attend two upcoming no-till events focusing on soil health and nutrient management. These events, held in August and September, will provide valuable insights into the latest research, practical techniques, and cost-saving practices for improving soil quality through no-till farming.

The first event, a Nutrient Management Field (Twi-light) Day, will take place on August 29 at Todd Hesterman’s farm, located at 802 St Rt 108, Napoleon, Ohio. The event, presented by the Conservation Action Project (CAP), will run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Attendees will learn about edge-of-field nutrient discharge research, soil biology testing options, and farmer phosphorus plots in northwest Ohio.

Experts like Jed Stinner from the USDA-ARS, and CAP coordinators Russ Rice and Alan Sundermeier, will share their knowledge. Additionally, Todd Hesterman, a veteran no-tiller, will discuss his experiences with no-till practices. The event will also feature information on the activities of the OSU Water Quality Team, presented by Amber Herman.

The event is free, but attendees are asked to register by August 26 by calling 419-261-0625, as a complimentary meal will be provided.

The second event, a No-Till Field Day, will be held on September 10 at Matt Burkholder’s farm, 6720 Stewart Rd., Lima, Ohio. The event, titled “Turn Dirt into Healthy Soil,” will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is presented by Farmers for Soil Health, The Nature Conservancy, and the Ohio No-Till Council.

Rick Clark, a well-known no-till farmer from Williamsport, Indiana, will be the keynote speaker. Clark will deliver two talks: “I know what I have; how do I start making soil?” and “Making the economics work: making money or making yield.”

The event will also include demonstrations and explanations of soil infiltration tests by Matt Burkholder and Brent Nicol, and a discussion on the role of soil biology by Dani Kusner, a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA). Registration for this event is $25, with vendor spots available for $100. Interested participants can register at Allen SWCD Field Day.

Additionally, young or new no-till farmers are encouraged to apply for a free trip to the National No-Till Conference in Louisville, taking place from January 7-10, 2025. Applications can be submitted at any of the field days in August or September.

These events offer a unique opportunity for Ohio farmers to gain valuable knowledge and practical tips for enhancing soil health and improving the sustainability of their farming operations.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock