Full -season no-till beans require management NEWARK, Del. Delaware idea is relatively new, though the to attaion full-season no-till yields growers eager to reduce tillage bulk of the state’s double-cropped comparable to those under con requirements without sacrificing soybeans have long been no-tilled, ventional tillage requires skillful yields are taking a closer look at Double-cropped yield expectations management. For this reason, full-season no-till soybeans. The are generally lower, however, and Uni— - ' i With purchase of a new 6060 or 6080 2WD or FWD tractor! It’s one of the year’s best bargains! You get a free quick-attach Model 460 loader, less bucket. Plus, a cash rebate. Use part of the rebate to buy the bucket that meets your needs - do what you want with money left over. Loader includes boom, hydraulics, all attaching parts. Get a Model 450 loader, less bucket, free when you buy a 61408 Both offers in lieu of special financing plans in effect for limited time only. Stop in today! Allis-Chalmers reserves the right to alter or withdraw programs at its option MARSHALL MACHINERY Honesdale, Pa. 717-729-7117 "■Ml* Airville, Pa. 717-862-3967 , B EQUIP., me Waynesboro, Pa. 717-762-3193 BA REARM EQ. IHC. Beavertown, PA 717-658-7024 001TERER A KOLESAR, IHC Mill Mali, Pa. 717-726-3471 NICHOLS FARM EQUIP. Bloomsburg, Pa. 717-784-7731 i AG-HB. Ed, IHC. Rising Sun, Md 301-398-6132 SHARTLESVK.LE FARM SERV. Hamburg, Pa 215-488-1025 B.HD. Fj||£l EQUIP., Annville, Pa. 717-867-2211 Flemington, N J 201-782-4242 ROY H. BUCK, IHC. Ephrata, Pa. CJ. WONSIDiER BROS. Quakertown, Pa. 215-536-7523 717-859-2441 GRUMELLI FARM SERVICE Quarryville, Pa 717-786-7318 by% A ALLIS-CHALMERS POWER PRO EQUIP. GO. CJ. WONSKHER BROS. , Gilroy. Pa Oley, Pa. 717-667-6504 215-987-6257 L.H. BRUBAKER, INC. Lancaster, Pa. 717-397-5179 JOHN W. SAWS t SONS INC. CANYON mPLEMENTS INC. Manfield, Pa. 717-724-2731 PETERMAN FARM EQUIP. Carlisle, Pa. 717-249-5338 HUGHES BROS. INC. Westminster, Md. 301-848-6313 VERNON E. STOP CO. Frederick, Md. 301-663-3185 WERTZ GARAGE, INC. Lineboro. Md. 301-374-2672 w Somerset, Pa. 814-445-4189 JACK SHEARER EQUIP Johnstown, Pa. 814-266-9721 agronomist Frank Webb a' 1 *ses farmers to experiment on a few acres first, before adopting the system on larger acreage. Two factors are critical when growing full-season no-till soybeans, Webb says good close stands, and effective weed control. He has spent the past five years developing a system which works well on Delmarva, and he offers a number of helpful suggestions regarding seedbed preparation, fertility and liming, varietal selection, seeding rates and spacing, and weed control. “In many instances,” he says, “last year’s crop residue will be this year’s seedbed for no-tillage soybeans. As in no-till com production, cover crops play an important role in successful no tillage soybean programs. This cover can come from the previous crop, or from an established living cover crop.” Desirable mulch The mulch from small grain/double-crop soybean residue is desirable for several reasons, the agronomist says. It’s easy to plant into and is present on many Delaware farms, so there’s no extra cost to establish it. This residue will help conserve soil moisture and provide reasonable weed control. However, the ground must be level, with no equipment ruts, in order to do a good job of planting. Living cover crops can range from any of the winter grains (wheat, rye or barley) to legumes like Austrian winter peas, hairy vetch and crimson clover. Don’t expect a fertility benefit from the legumes, however. “Three years’ data from the University of Delaware’s Georgetown Sub station suggest that the nitrogen fixing legumes offer little ad vantage for soybeans other than their mulch effect,” Webb notes. Other crop residues can be used, but those mentioned above provide the most mulch, he says. With cornstalks or soybean stubble, good vegetative bumdown is essential, along with effective residual weed control since these covers usually provide poor mulch, and weed pressure will be heavier. Use soil test As for fertilizer and lime, phosphorus and potassium needs COMING JUNE 2 Annual • Special dairy stories and features • Local Dairy Association news • What’s new in dairy research • Marketing Dairy’s future • Readers’ favorite dairy recipes ADVERTISERS... Get Complete Coverage by Reserving Your Space Now In This Special Issue. Deadline for Ads May 25 Phone Area Code 717-394-3047 or 626-1164 Lancaster Farming, Saturday, May 19,1984—D17 appear to be the same as for conventional soybeans. The specialist urges growers to have their soil analyzed in order to spend their fertilizer dollars wisely. “Broadcasting P