I deal with some hills as well. We’ve always just kept a broad spectrum of species growing with large masses of root structure, lots of tillage radish to keep the channels for water to soak in. We’re keeping the water, and have actually raised the ground water level in our wells.
What I can tell you is that last summer, we were in a severe drought and our pasture did so well that we were able to send the herd through 17 acres, 3 times with a 40 day rest in between. It was one of the best summers we have had.
With all the no till planting ground compaction can cause serious drop in the water level. Need to do subsoiling every 3 to 5 yrs to break up the hard pan.
In nature there is no tilling done by humans and no hard pans or serious drops in water levels happen. Also how should tilling the surface prevent a hard pan?
Yoeman Ploughs do a fare better job, admittedly, it will be far greater investment, but the surface tearing seen here won't happen with a Yoeman (especially with coulters fitted). Nevertheless, great to see anyone key lining!
Part of my choice of tools is the size of my tractor. And the cost of a real plow. Because this is only used as pasture I'm not concerned about the tearing. I also have a three point no till drill and the coulters do a fine job busting up the clods when I plant.
It is a reoccurring activity and it really does work. We don't do everything every year. We try to rotate it around to different areas, mostly those with a lot of slope. It slows runoff and gives rain and snowmelt time to soak into the ground. It also introduces oxygen and microbes into the sub soil which starts to build compost from the bottom of the slit upward.
Any updated videos on how the subsoiling turned out? Great video, thanks :)
I deal with some hills as well. We’ve always just kept a broad spectrum of species growing with large masses of root structure, lots of tillage radish to keep the channels for water to soak in. We’re keeping the water, and have actually raised the ground water level in our wells.
We do that too. It's all about the roots. Eventually we stop sub soiling because it's not needed any more. .
Yea nice,
How do you acuratley gauge it wont be too wet in winter?
I been watching this video for a few years. Do you a update.
What I can tell you is that last summer, we were in a severe drought and our pasture did so well that we were able to send the herd through 17 acres, 3 times with a 40 day rest in between. It was one of the best summers we have had.
With all the no till planting ground compaction can cause serious drop in the water level. Need to do subsoiling every 3 to 5 yrs to break up the hard pan.
In nature there is no tilling done by humans and no hard pans or serious drops in water levels happen. Also how should tilling the surface prevent a hard pan?
Great content.
thanks
Sorry, so are you plowing along the contour? Or is the path you are following keyline? Not sure I see the difference.
We use the contour which, in our situation, is almost the keyline
Now I just have to find somebody with a subsoiler or a key lime plow in my area....thanks for the content
You can find a subsoiler almost anywhere
Yoeman Ploughs do a fare better job, admittedly, it will be far greater investment, but the surface tearing seen here won't happen with a Yoeman (especially with coulters fitted). Nevertheless, great to see anyone key lining!
Part of my choice of tools is the size of my tractor. And the cost of a real plow. Because this is only used as pasture I'm not concerned about the tearing. I also have a three point no till drill and the coulters do a fine job busting up the clods when I plant.
Any update? Is this a reoccurring activity or did it not turn out as expected?
It is a reoccurring activity and it really does work. We don't do everything every year. We try to rotate it around to different areas, mostly those with a lot of slope. It slows runoff and gives rain and snowmelt time to soak into the ground. It also introduces oxygen and microbes into the sub soil which starts to build compost from the bottom of the slit upward.
@@anathothcommunityfarm8819 Will this help raise your ground water tables and moisted the top soil?
@@jamessang5027 Eventually. It really does an amazing job slowing down runoff so it can soak into the ground.
Sure would hate to be the guy who has to clip those pastures later in the year
this is why i air rate my property