Conservation practice comes of age in Kentucky small grain production.

No-till wheat production in Kentucky has been transformed from what was once a curiosity that "other" farmers participated in to what has today become a staple and economically sustainable management system. By some estimates, over 50% of the state’s wheat crop is now direct seeded in to cornstalks or other crop residue without the aid of tillage. The practice saves time (labor), fuel and equipment costs while safeguarding our soil and water resources.

Multiple factors have been critical in propelling the no-till trend, including a strong spirit of cooperation. Kentucky farmers, university researchers and extension personnel, the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association and the private sector have worked together to study, implement and refine no-till wheat management practices.

It is also apparent that the proven pedigree of intensive wheat management practices introduced in Kentucky over the last two decades has been readily transferable into no-till wheat management.

Several basic tenets of intensive management that bolster success in no-till environments include:

Planting quality seed. Due to the added challenges posed by high residue levels on the soil surface, no-tillers must start with high germination, high vigor seed to ensure optimum stands and good early grow-off.

Starting clean. Applying an appropriate burndown herbicide ahead of or within a couple days after seeding is strongly recommended. It ensures that young wheat plants start with a leg up on early weed competition.

Bump the seeding rate. Because of the physical interference and challenges posed by cornstalks or other crop residue, no-tillers will generally find it necessary to push seeding rates above those typically used in conventional settings, perhaps by 10% or slightly more.

Use treated seed. Excellent fungicide seed treatments are available today that can help improve emergence and early seedling health and vigor. All wheat seed sown in a no-till environment should be protected with an appropriate treatment.

Variety selection. Reduce disease and weather-related risk factors by picking three to four proven varieties well adapted to your farm. Both the University of Kentucky and private consulting firms conduct numerous wheat variety trials annually and make their data readily available. Look for consistency of yield across multiple test sites.

Focus on fertility. Soil pH and nutrient levels must be adequate and in proper balance to encourage good plant establishment, development and yield.

Split-applied nitrogen. Metering spring topdress nitrogen out in two applications is a cornerstone for managing tillering and canopy density in a manner that supports top-end yields.

Season-long scouting. A sharp eye must be trained on fields throughout the entire season to monitor and manage weed, insect and disease pressure as well as to spot other potential problems.

Granted, no-till may not be the preferred wheat management system for all growers or field environments. Certainly, planting and stand establishment are often easier when seeding in to clean, consolidated seedbeds. And the conventional approach does offer some savings in seeding rates. Through the crop year however, heavy rainfall on clean tilled slopes can have a devastating effect on soil stability and terrain integrity. Repairing washes is a tedious by-product of clean tillage.