The third and final session of the Advanced Soil Health Training Cohort focused on two critical topics: no-till and planting green. The session provided valuable insights through expert presentations and firsthand experiences shared by farmers through presentations and panel discussions.

Key Takeaways on No-Till

No-till offers different benefits, including erosion control, reduced fuel and labor costs, and increased water retention. However, adopting this practice comes with its own set of challenges.

• Weed pressure: Without tillage to disturb weeds, weed pressure can be higher in no-till systems, especially in the transition period. This may result in a greater reliance on herbicides or cover crops, which can affect yields. Also, in time, perennial weeds might start to become a concern in your annual cropping systems.
• Equipment: No-till often takes specialized equipment or adjustments to current equipment. Fine-tuning planting practices, such as adjusting seed depth and managing residue, may take time. Additionally, no-till is tough on equipment, often requiring more time to be spent on maintenance/repairs. Thanks to the glaciated soils of NY, we have plenty of rocks to thank for equipment break downs.
• Soil adjustments: Have you ever heard the phrase "addicted to tillage"? When switching from conventional to no-till, it can be challenging. Tillage creates temporary changes in bulk density that creates an "perfect seedbed". Soil compaction from tillage or vehicle traffic can become more apparent once tillage is eliminated.
• Nutrient availability: The increased residue in no-till systems can tie up nitrogen temporarily as the carbon in the residue decomposes.  
• Adjustments to cropping system: Adopting no-till may require changes to your cropping system, such as adjusting the timing of fertilizer applications and managing what GDD crops (there's a big difference between 91-day and 101-day corn) you select to accommodate manure or cover crop applications.

Looking at the total picture is key to evaluating how effective no-till is for you. You may see reduced yields in comparison to your conventional system, but how do the costs pencil out in comparison? Are maximum yields the goal? Are you okay with reduced yields if the cost per bushel is less? A farmer who presented at the session highlighted the importance of attitude when transitioning to no-till—if you believe it won't work, it probably won't. Successful implementation requires patience and a positive outlook.

Key Takeaways on Planting Green

Planting green offers several advantages, such as mitigating challenges of wet soil, accumulating biomass, and reducing weed emergence. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges that require careful management. For adoption, considerations have to be made about equipment modifications and management. Challenges include:

• Mother Nature: Weather is probably one of the most significant factors affecting the success of planting green. If the forecast predicts a dry spring, you may want to terminate the cover crop early to conserve moisture in the soil. If a wet spring is predicted, leaving the crop alive will help remove excess moisture from the soil. The reality is, this decision needs to be made in April.
• Biomass: Accumulation of biomass is great, but there can be too much of a good thing. A dense mat may form, complicating seed placement and leading to poor seed-to-soil contact, uneven emergence, or stunting. For dairy farmers, applying manure before the cover crop gets too tall is a challenge, particularly when using dragline systems.  
• Emergence: As mentioned above, it can be tough to get the seed into the ground at the depth you want. Additionally, varying soil temperatures can worsen this challenge.  
• Equipment: The right equipment is essential to effectively manage and terminate the cover crop. If it's too tall, it can shade emerging plants and stunt their growth.
• Pests: If you have ever planted corn into sod, you've likely dealt with slugs. It's a pest of concern when there is lots of biomass on the field surface.
• Planting depth: With an increased amount of biomass on the soil surface, it can be harder to get the seed to the correct depth. Ensuring that the seed is properly placed is crucial for consistent emergence.

During the session, one farmer mentioned that they utilize bio-strips to plant green on their farm. Bio-strips involve the planting of two different cover crop mixes into the field, rotating every few rows of the drill with a different species. One species winterkills, while the other doesn't. The whole premise is to plant into an already dead cover crop and spray the rest at/around planting. This allows the opportunity to not plant into a competing crop while still getting the benefits of a cover crop.

The biggest piece of advice I have received about planting green is that "when it works, it works well". The success of planting green depends on a variety of factors, and the ability to adjust management will help you remain successful in its adoption.

Implementing practices like no-till and planting green can bring significant benefits to soil health, but they require careful management, time, and a willingness to adapt. While there may be some initial challenges, with the right mindset and adjustments, these practices can result in long-term improvements. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to Katelyn Miller at 716-640-2047 or by emailing km753@cornell.edu.