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 Aberdeen MS | Any area can be "no tilled". 200 yrs ago something was growing there, it wasn't bare ground before ag production started.
Problem is, we figure we have to grow crop X, Y, and Z because that's what everyone else does. But more correctly, those crops are the markets available locally to sell into.
Corn by nature isn't suited for this part of the world when you get right down the base genetics. As you said, too cold of temps in the spring, then the lack of moisture. So we capture some radiant energy of the sun by having a dark surface to soak up the rays instead of a "whiter" surface (residue) that reflects the energy back up.
Agronomically, corn can be grown successfully "no tilled", but at an economic cost. The net profit leads to tillage for a better profit.
Some will say, "you aren't doing it right". But if you let the soil revert back to a more "natural state", it won't grow the crops you want to grow profitably. Kind of like forcing a square peg into a round hole. It can be done, but it won't be a good fit. Force it too hard, you loose some peg, use a smaller peg, you aren't filling the hole all the way.
Making the best use of what you have and be complacent is about all you can do. It doesn't mean you failed, regardless of what any "expert" hundreds of miles away from you say.
Strip till may still work for you. Remember I said "may". It also may not. I can't say sitting here in MN with 3" of snow on the ground and thump my chest to you in IA.
There are 18 manufacturers of equipment, one will be a better fit for your local than another. But then, they might not. It isn't an overnight conversion success, it's a process.
Ag production cost $$. Just have to pick where you spend it and where you save it.
Edited by Greywolf 11/13/2010 09:39
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