Ridge-till tips

Abstract

"Ridge-till, a tillage system involving scalping and planting on ridges built during cultivation of the previous year's crop, usually involves spring-planted row crops grown with a combination of herbicides and at least one cultivation. Herbicide costs may be reduced by a band application ove the row and depending on cultivation to control weeks in the middle of the row. Scalping (row cleaning) about 1 to 2 inches off the top of the ridge at planting time moves move of the residue and weed seeds to the middle of the row and leaves a clean, smooth area for the planter openers and depth gauge wheels to run on. In some cases (such as heavy, clay soils or with very low ridges), it may be better to eliminate the scalping operation (planting no-till on top of the ridge)."--First page.