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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Cell Wall Biology and Utilization Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #291488
Title: Saving time and fuel during tillage

Author
item Digman, Matthew

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2013
Publication Date: 2/28/2013
Citation: Digman, M.F. 2013. Saving time and fuel during tillage. In: Proceedings of the Idaho Hay and Forage Conference, February 28-March 1, 2013, Burley, Idaho. p. 42-43.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As with any farm operation, the value of tillage must be weighed against its cost. The first costs to consider are labor, fuel, and machinery. These costs are estimated to range from $9 to $19 per acre, depending on the field operation and equipment used. Additionally, tillage can increase costs of subsequent field operations as loose soil reduces tractive efficiency, adding further cost to operations such as planting. Finally, some tillage costs are harder to quantify, including the risk of soil erosion and nutrient loss. Conversely, tillage can have many positive impacts on crop production. These impacts can include remediating soil compaction, managing crop residues, and providing favorable spring planting conditions.