No Till Notes: Our Responsibility: A systems approach

The past several articles I have written have been about a systems approach we use on our farm to lower our groundwater pumping requirements and conserve water. I think a systems approach is required to truly become a steward of the land and water resources.

We start water conservation by improving the performance of our soil. We leave the previous crop’s residues attached and on the soil surface. This residue management greatly improves infiltration of water into the soil and lowers soil moisture evaporation from the soil surface. Improved soil structure helps move the moisture deeper in...