Study shows reduced tillage benefits soil microbes
Today, about one-third of U.S. farmers are no longer tilling their fields or are practicing conservation tillage. No-till and conservation tillage maintain or improve soil quality by preserving soil structure and moisture, increasing soil organic matter and providing habitat for soil microbes.

Stacy Zuber, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois, wanted to detect a true “signal” of the effect of tillage on soil microbes. To do so, she compiled and analyzed data from 62 studies from across the globe. The analysis indicates that microbial biomass and enzymatic activity were greater in no-till than in tilled systems.

KEEP SOILS HEALTHY: “In Illinois, we have such great soil; it’s our biggest resource,” says Stacy Zuber, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois. “Farmers can help protect it by making sure the microbial community is healthy.” (Photo: Oliver Hoffmann/iStock/Thinkstock)

“Soil microbes are the workhorses of the soil. They break down crop residues and release nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients back to the soil so they’re plant-available,” says Zuber.

The study suggests that since soil microbial biomass and enzymatic activity can stand in as proxies for soil quality, farmers should consider moving toward no-till or conservation-tillage systems.

WIU kicks off annual bull testing program
The 45th annual Western Illinois University Bull Testing Program is underway, according to John Carlson, WIU School of Agriculture bull test director. The bulls will officially begin the testing program on Oct. 19 and will complete the 112-day test Feb. 8.

There are 68 bulls from five states in the program, representing the Angus, Simmental, Polled Hereford, Red Angus and Charolais breeds, plus a number of Simmental composites and a Barzona composite.

Performance and pedigree information on the bulls is available at the bull test station's website. Follow the WIU Performance Bull Test on Facebook.

Growmark system receives Ag Data Transparency seal
Growmark recently earned the “Ag Data Transparent” seal from the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator group, an independent review organization comprised of industry groups, commodity organizations and ag technology providers. This accreditation recognizes Growmark for its transparency working with farmers and its standards of privacy and security of data.

“Growmark and its retail FS member companies are dedicated to being open and honest with growers about the collection process and storage of their data,” says Lance Ruppert, Growmark director of agronomy marketing.

The Growmark System’s MiField Applied Research initiative and FS AIS (Advanced Information Services) enterprise decision tool aid in the collection of field data used to show successful management trends and assist with the development of agronomic recommendations.
 

Beck’s expands research to Hawaii
Beck’s retail seed company recently purchased the former BASF Seed Research Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. The 13,000-square-foot facility built in 2012 includes offices, laboratory space, storage and drying for corn breeding nurseries, as well as agricultural equipment needed to grow seed corn and research-focused plant materials.

As part of the purchase agreement, Beck’s will assume a license for approximately 1,000 acres of productive land for year-round breeding nurseries. Beck’s plans to move most of its winter research operations to the new facility.

“We are excited to acquire this state-of-the-art research facility,” says Kevin Cavanaugh, director of research at Beck’s. “The southwest side of the island of Kauai provides a perfect environment to grow corn year-round.”