Recent data from the year 2023 field experiment further supports previous research results which indicated that corn, soybean, and wheat can be successfully grown with high yields and good quality under different tillage types in the Red River Valley. Where possible, care should be taken to reduce corn residue especially in strip and no tillage and moving residue with coulters in no till to facilitate planting to get a good plant population.
With additional objectives added to the focus of this project, there is a more diverse insights to how crop sequences and tillage type can impact not only crop yield, quality, soil physio-chemical properties, and microbial populations but also earthworm and beneficial insects’ population and distribution as well as soil erosivity. The results obtained to date indicate that corn, soybean and wheat can be successfully grown in the Red River Valley under strip tillage without impacting yield and quality compared to when grown under conventional tillage. There was no significant adverse effect on organic matter and soil carbon using reduced tillage; soil pH was lower at the deeper soil depth.

1. Determine the yield and quality of major crops (sugar beet, corn, soybean and wheat) grown in different crop sequence.
2. Determine the effect of tillage type (conventional, strip, and no-till) on crop yield and quality.
3. Determine the impact of tillage and crop sequence on disease severity caused by major pathogens of the crops in the sequence.
4. Determine the impact of tillage on soil nutrients (N, P, K and carbon), pH, texture and microbial population over time.
5. Document the best practices for managing fungicide resistance of the pathogens of the crops in the sequence.

1. Provide yield and quality of crops grown and best pest management practices.
2. Provide update on best crop sequence and practices to manage major diseases of corn and other crops in the rotation.
3. Provide insights into advantages and challenges observed for each tillage type.

Updated May 7, 2024:

1. Growers will learn of the advantages and challenges of using different tillage systems for production of corn and other crops commonly grown in rotation including soybean, wheat and sugarbeet.
2. Adopt relevant production practices so they can increase productivity, reduce cost of production and incorporate production practices to preserve our natural resources for future generations.
3. Help to increase our human capital of qualified personnel in agriculture.
4. Use research-based data to influence policy decisions that will be favorable for our producers.