Improving Soil Health
Wilson Organic Farms
Cuba City, Wisconsin
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014
“Very educational. Enjoyed the hands on and the personal interaction with the growers.”
C.W. Whittemore, Iowa
This field day showed how cover crops, both living and as a killed mulch, can contribute to healthy soil and profitable farming. Proof was in the heavy pod set on Keith Wilson’s organic soybeans which are growing in a rolled and crimped rye mulch—“impressive” was the word of the day. Natural Resource Conservation Service personnel illustrated the health of the soil in this field by digging a soil pit where they pointed out earthworm trails and deep roots, showing where water and organic matter can move through the soil to aid in crop growth. University of Wisconsin researchers as well as seed suppliers discussed the numerous strategies and opportunities for both this “organic no-till” system as well as the benefits of diversity of cover crops and “cover crop cocktails.”
We also viewed another field where tillage radish and crimson clover were growing. This field will be planted to corn next year. These cover crops lessen soil compaction and add organic matter to the soil.
The Wilsons are continually experimenting with a variety of strategies to improve soil health improving. They plan to continue to use the practices reviewed during this field day, due to the resulting healthy and abundant crops they’re harvesting. Many attendees stated they will consider incorporating these practices on their own farms as well.