Organic no-till soybean production: is it possible in Ontario?

 

Organic soybean production relies on a significant amount of tillage. When done well, yields can rival conventional production. There are drawbacks, however, including a high labour demand in the spring and the potential for soil degradation over time. Cover crop-based organic no-till soybean production techniques have been developed in recent years and proven to work in parts of the US. The question is, will they work under Ontario’s climate and soils?

 

Cover crop-based organic no-till soybean production uses a roller crimper, a drum with chevron-shaped blades (Figure 1) that’s used to crimp the stems of rye (or another suitable plant) once it’s flowering and kills it. You then seed soybeans into the mulch. If it’s thick enough, it provides season-long weed suppression. The cover crop-based organic no-till system offers advantages in terms of labour savings and soil health improvements.

 

 

On-farm experiences with organic no-till soybean production in Ontario over the past decade have yielded mixed results. As part of a two-year OSCIA Tier 2 trial, Heartland Soil and Crop Improvement Association is evaluating cover crop-based organic soybean production using established best practices. The goal is to identify barriers to success and develop recommendations specific for Ontario conditions.

Video: Planting Corn with Classic Allis-Chalmers Tractors | Full Field Action

Step into the field for a full day of spring fieldwork as this farm plants corn using classic Allis-Chalmers power near Arcanum, Ohio. In this video, the farm is working ground with an Allis-Chalmers 8050 pulling a Salford field cultivator and Brillion Culti-Packer to prepare the seedbed. Right behind, an Allis-Chalmers 7020 handles planting duties with a 12-row White planter, putting this year’s corn crop in the ground. You’ll see a mix of aerial drone footage and ground-level views capturing all the action, along with a voiceover that dives into the history and legacy of these two Allis-Chalmers tractors. It’s a great look at how reliable, older equipment is still getting the job done during spring planting season. If you enjoy classic farm equipment, corn planting, and real-world field action, this one is for you.