The concept of vertical tillage is well-known, but what it entails isn’t fully understood in some corners of farm country. In simple terms, Ken Ferrie says a vertical system means managing the entire soil profile for uniformity.
There are various vertical tillage systems — conventional vertical tillage, one-pass-and-plant vertical tillage, no-till and strip-till. How do you decide which tillage system fits your operation and temperament?
Identifying horizontal layers is a crucial first step when converting to vertical tillage. Farm Journal Test Plot data confirm removing compaction and density layers before transitioning to a vertical system can add 15 bu. to 20 bu. per acre and might lower cost of production.
So — you have probed or dug and found the layers put in place by horizontal farming tools. What’s next? “Now it’s time to find the best way to remove them,” says Ken Ferrie. Focus on depth, shatter, spacing and horsepower.
