Soil management and health
Soil properties
Five factors of soil formation
Parent material, climate, biota (organisms), topography and time interacted to form over 1,100 soils in Minnesota. The different properties of these soils have a big impact on how they are best managed.
Soil orders and suborders in Minnesota
When producers understand the soil they’re working with, they can make better decisions about cropping systems and fertilizer and water management.
Soil organic matter in cropping systems
- Understand the benefits of soil organic matter (SOM) and how to increase it.
- Learn how SOM affects crop productivity.
Soil School: Soil organic matter does matter - RealAgriculture, Ontario, Canada
- Learn how soil microorganisms contribute to soil health and crop productivity.
- Learn about management practices that increase microbial activity.
Can soil health tests determine fertilizer needs?
Soil health tests can be useful to compare management practices, but they have not been calibrated for crop nutrient needs.
Tillage systems
The Upper Midwest Tillage Guide is a collaboration between University of Minnesota Extension and North Dakota State University.
- A brief history of tillage and tillage research
Part 1 explores the benefits of tillage from an historical perspective. - Tillage implements, purpose and ideal use
Part II describes equipment components, depth of tillage and typical residue covers for various tillage implements. - Reducing tillage intensity
Increased soil structure, organic matter and reduced soil erosion are some of the many benefits of reduced tillage discussed in Part III. - Economics of tillage
Part IV looks at crop yields and tillage costs of various tillage systems.
Soybean School: To till or not to till - Real Agriculture, Ontario, Canada
On-farm comparison: Conservation tillage systems
Learn how different tillage systems affect residue, plant populations and yields.
Fall tillage in wet soil conditions
Strategies to reduce soil compaction and smearing when fall precipitation is heavy.
Maintaining soil productivity
Learn more about reducing tillage and incorporating cover crops in the Soil Health Series:
Soil erosion cuts your profits and reduces productivity by removing a non-renewable resource. Learn how to reduce wind erosion for long-term profitability:
- Why wind erosion is important in Minnesota
- Key factors and impacts of wind erosion
- How to reduce wind erosion
Soil compaction
Learn what causes soil compaction and how it affects crop growth and yield. Adopt management practices that minimize compaction.
Soil compaction video series
1. Soil compaction - Learn about the effects of soil compaction and management strategies to minimize it.
3. Tracks and tires - Learn how to how to manage wheel traffic and properly inflate tires to reduce soil compaction.
2. Soil structure: A natural defense against soil compaction - Learn how soil aggregates create a strong, resilient soil.
4. Proper tire inflation - Learn how to get the best performance out of your tractor tires.
Rolling soybean in the Upper Midwest
Ground rolling prepares a field for harvest, but also poses agronomic, economic, and environmental risks.
Crop residue management
Tips for sustaining soil organic matter carbon during residue harvest.