Land & Field Layout
Why is air drainage important in the location of a field?
Good air drainage can lessen danger of late spring or early fall frosts.
Why is it helpful to create a crop plan before the growing season starts?
You don't have to take time to plan during the growing season when you are very busy.
What is one advantage and one disadvantage of a power harrow?
Advantage: Tills soil more gently. Doesn't mix layers of soil.
Disadvantage: May not cut off roots of well established plants. Does not mix coarse crop residue or cover crop into soil.
What is the name of the tillage implement that turns the soil upside down and buries the crop residue?
mold board plow
Why is knowing the plant family of crops important in designing a crop rotation?
Crops in the same family usually share pests, diseases, and fertility needs so having them far apart in the rotation can reduce problems with these things.
What are 3 things to consider when deciding on land to grow crops?
Access, security, aspect & slope, soil type, air drainage, wind protection, water source
Why is it helpful to have standard sized plots and beds?
It makes planning easier. It makes crop rotations easier. Irrigation equipment, tarps, etc., can be standard size and used on any bed.
What is one advantage and one disadvantage of a rototiller?
Advantage: Mixes cover crop or other organic matter or other soil amendments into soil. Can cut off roots of cover crops or crops being terminated.
Disadvantage: Can pulverize soil, destroying soil structure. Will not mix amendments across width of the bed.
Name 2 tools for deep tillage
Chisel plow, broadfork, keyline plow, sub soiler or ripper
What is a benefit of including a legume, such as beans or peas, in a crop rotation?
They can fix nitrogen and add it to the soil.
In Iowa, what are south slopes good for and what are north slopes good for?
South slopes are good for early spring crops or crops that benefit from extra heat. North slopes are good for fruit crops with early spring blooms that could be damaged by a frost.
What are 2 things that give a small farmer selling locally an advantage over large farmers?
Quality. Freshness. Personal relationship with customers.
How can tillage be used to sequester carbon?
Use tillage to mix cover crops, compost, or other organic matter into the soil
Name 2 tools for shallow tillage
Rototiller, power harrow, tilther
What are 3 potential benefits of crop rotations?
Improved soil structure; improved nutrient availability; aids insect, disease, and weed management, increased yields.
What are 3 things related to water that are important to consider on a piece of land?
Soil drainage, high water table, flooding potential, availability of irrigation water, potential for contaminated water flowing onto the land.
Relate the science of consciousness principle that the whole is more than the sum of the parts to the discussion about tillage vs no till.
Whether tillage releases carbon into the atmosphere or sequesters it depends on the whole system in which the tillage is used. Just looking at tillage by itself shows releasing CO2 but as part of a whole system that includes cover crops and incorporating organic matter the whole system sequesters carbon.
What tillage implement mimics the action of a person digging the soil?
Spading machine
What are 2 problems of excessive tillage?
It can damage soil microbes. It can damage soil structure. It can increase the amount of CO2 leaving the soil. It can decrease soil organic matter. Some kinds of tillage can cause soil compaction (plow pan). The damage to soil structure can result in crusting of the soil surface.
How can the relative amount of fertility needed by crops be used in designing a crop rotation?
Have light feeders after heavy feeders. Add compost before the heavy feeders.
On our farm, with flat hill tops, sloping land and low valley bottom land, where is the topsoil deepest and where is it shallowest?
Deepest in the low valley bottom land and shallowest on the slopes.
What are 2 things that give MIU Farm an advantage at the Fairfield Farmers Market?
Year round produce. Some customers like to support MIU. Quality produce. Personal relationships.
What are 2 advantages of using a keyline plow?
It loosens the soil deeply. It does not damage soil structure. It does not mix layers of soil. It makes channels for water, air, and roots to penetrate. It causes little disturbance to the soil surface. It can be used to move water from wetter areas to dryer areas on the landscape.
What are 3 benefits of tillage?
Mix fertilizer and organic matter into soil. Loosen soil. Deepen topsoil. Control weeds. Improve water infiltration. Prepare seedbed. Terminate crops or cover crops. Warm up soil.
Explain how root structure can be a consideration in a crop rotation
Alternate deep rooted crops with shallow rooted crops