Soil Management

Description

Discusses in depth the greatest challenge facing farm managers today: managing the soil itself. Covers soil fertility, erosion, compaction problems, residue management, & the different types of tillage systems. Has illustrated explanations of techniques to test soil. Explains the structure & composition of soil, the different nutrients various crops require, & how to make up for deficiencies. Defines & classifies the many tillage systems practiced today: conventional, conservation, minimal, mulch-till, no-till, primary, reduced ridge-plant & secondary. Tells how to develop a conservation farming plan. Defines soil compaction, examines its problems, then discusses how to avoid or overcome it. Text also covers erosion - its causes & solutions, with details for conservation compliance. Finishes with a discussion of organic matter & managing crop residue to increase organic content & reduce erosion. CONTENTS: soil fertility, tillage systems, soil compaction, erosion, crop residue management, factors affecting crop yields, conservation planning, managing compaction, erosion control methods, & determining residue cover.