> We are always talking about black and white which one is right. Does any
> one think maybe gray is the right answer? Steve mentioned that the
> moldboard plow has done a lot of damage, but is our only alternative
> No-Till? Could a shallow disking do the job? Just curious!
Floyd,
Glad you asked for this clarification. Anything less than a moldboard plow is a step in
the right direction. Adding to what Fred Magdoff said, we have quite an array of tillage
tools now that do a specific job when it comes to tillage. You as a farmer need to be
creative with the machinery at your disposal and the cropping system you are working
with. Shallow disking certainly is better than plowing, but there might be times when
deep narrow tillage (zone till) is more appropriate. To me, the key is leaving as much
residue on the surface as you can. Think of tillage in the same way you think of using
chemicals. Why am I using it? Is there a more natural way? Do the benefits outweigh the
disadvantages? What long term affects (good or bad) am I creating? Why do you need to
till in the first place?
I really like your questions Floyd. To me it's the same as saying, "We are always
talking about black and white which one is right. Does any one think maybe gray is the
right answer? Chemicals have done a lot of damage, but is our only alternative Organics?
Could sustainable agriculture do the job? Just curious!
Steve Groff
-- "Enhancing the Environment" www.cedarmeadowfarm.com Cedar Meadow Farm 679 Hilldale Rd Holtwood PA 17532 USA Ph. 717-284-5152
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