CRP - Converting to Cropland (Northern Plains)

...testing
the
mettle of
land stewards

This rotivator, a roto-till for tractors, resulted in the loss of more soil carbon than a plow. Carbon accounts for about half the organic matter in the soil.

"Our research shows that 10 years in CRP added organic matter to the upper quarter to half inch of the topsoil. Farmers can build on that with no-till to ensure future productivity or lose it in one season with a plow or a rotivator."

-Mike Lindstrom, Researcher

Keep the soil quality benefits you've gained through CRP...

Increased organic matter for
higher long-term
productivity,
Increased water infiltration
and moisture holding
capabilities,
Improved soil structure and
tilth,
Dramatically improved
erosion control

...by using a no-till or minimum-till system to farm

Northern Plains...

Pre-Planning
Identify acres for crop production
Evaluate residue cover, bale and
remove if excessive
Evaluate weeds and control
noxious problems

Fall Burndown - 1997
Smooth Bromegrass Fall Application
Mow grasses in early August
Allow 6-8 inches (min.) regrowth,
   mid to late September
Apply Roundup Ultra at 32-48
   oz/A, prior to killing frost.
   Caution: plant stresses will
   reduce efficiency of chemical
   application
If necessary, follow up in spring
   with 32 oz/A Roundup Ultra

Winter
Decomposition of above ground
   residue and below ground root
   mass
Standing stubble or residue
   catches snow and stores
   moisture

Spring Burndown - 1998
Smooth Bromegrass Spring Application
Allow 8 inches new regrowth
Apply follow-up Roundup Ultra,
   no-till rate: 32 oz/A, minimum-
   till rate: 32-48 oz/A, wait 10-14
   days before seeding or tillage.
If a fall application was NOT
   made, apply Roundup Ultra at
   64 oz/A

Caution: spring grass control will be less effective than fall applications.

Wheatgrass Spring Application
Mow, graze or hay in fall or
   early spring
Allow 4-6 inches of new growth
Apply Roundup Ultra, no-till
   rate: 48-64 oz/A, minimum-till
   rate: 24-32 oz/A. Wait 7-14
   days before seeding or tillage.

Fallow Option

If insufficient moisture, summer fallow may be required.

Crop Selection - 1998 Considerations
In-season weed control - planted crop should be compatible with post
emergence perennial grass control
Nutrient availability - decomposing CRP sod will reduce nitrogen availability
early in the season
Consider planting a legume.

Tillage - 1998 Considerations
Tillage will increase effectiveness of CRP sod control, use V-blade or disk
Tillage should be avoided on HEL Aggressive tillage systems will quickly
(within one year) return land to the same erosive condition present prior to
CRP establishment.

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