The Rural Voice, 1981-05, Page 24Crop rotation
Many farmers are concluding it's time for a second look
Many Ontario farmers are taking a
second look at crop rotation. This age-old
agricultural practice is the solution to
many of the soil structure problems
caused by continuous cropping practices.
"Despite the value of corn to Ontario
agriculture, many farmers have overem-
phasized this species in their cropping
programs," says Dr. Terry Daynard.
University of Guelph crop scientist.
"Some farms have been growing nothing
but corn for 10 to 15 years. and a number
of Ontario fields have been planted to
corn for an entire generation."
After years of reaping the benefits of
growing continuous corn, tarmers are
now starting to experience some of the
problems associated with continuous row
crops-- erosion, poor soil structure and
low yields.
One of the first symptoms of poor soil,
structure is low yield. Yields stay the
same despite better management prac-
tices, superior hybrids, and improved
weed control and fertility programs.
"Eighty per cent of our corn producers
were disappointed with their yields last
year and they can't blame it all on the
weather," says Dr. Daynard.
Some farmers may also notice it's
becoming harder to prepare a seedbed
each year. It takes more sophisticated
tillage skills to accomplish the same job
that took only one pass across the field 10
years ago. They may notice that the soil
erodes more each year.
Crusting is another symptom of declin-
ing soil structure. Farmers may/find that
they have trouble with seedling emer-
gence if there is a heavy rain after
planting.
"Crop rotations improve soil struc-
ture and yields," says Dr. Daynard.
"Crops such as perennial grasses, le-
gumes such as alfalfa or red clover and
winter cereals leave the soil in excellent
condition for the following crop."
Research indicates that any crop will
yield better if it follows any other crop. If
corn, soybeans or white beans are grown
after a soil -improving crop, farmers can
expect a 20 per cent yield improvement
over continuous cropping.
One of the major roadblocks against
crop rotation is the misconception that
net profits will be reduced if non -row
crops are grown. Dr. Daynard says that
this is a false way of looking at the
situation.
PG. 22 THE RURAL VOICE/MAY 1981
"The way to make to proper economic
analysis is to look at the net benefit of the
entire crop sequence," says Dr. Daynard.
"It is conceivable that by planting corn
after a forage crop you may obtain more
than double the net profit. Instead of
netting a $50 per acre profit. as with
continuous corn. you should realize more
than $100 per acre from corn after
forages. because of higher yields. fewer
pest problems, and reduced nitrogen
reauirements. It's surprising how nrofit-
able a non-profitable crop can be."
If the rotation crop only breaks even,
and you receive more than double the
return from the corn crop in the
following year. you are in an improved
economic position, relative to continuous
corn. explains Dr. Daynard. In terms of
the added benefits of labor distribution,
equipment use. spreading risks. and
preservation of soil structure, farmers
can't afford not to consider crop rotation.
Should you buy new or used?
The cost of new equipment has just
recently taken another jump. Farmers are
stunned to find that a used tractor today
v.all cost as much as that same tractor did
when it was new. five years ago. The new
machine, meanwnile, has pretty well
doubled in cost in the last five years.
The dilemma is, then, whether to buy a
new or used tractor. For many people it
may be more practical to buy used
machinery. The main problem is the risk
of "buying some other person's misery."
A few simple steps might help you
avoid some of the most common pitfalls.
Buying from a reputable dealer with
whom you do consiaerable nosiness has
some merit. First of all, that dealer may
have some pro rated warranty
on used equipment. Secondly, he proba-
bly will value your business too much
to sell you a machine that may be a
problem. Third, you can probably have a
check-up done and arrange a trial run to
help you identify possible problems.
Dynamometer and hydroanalyzer
tests can give you some important
performance figures. The hydroanalyzer
gives a flow rate and pressure reading on
the hydraulic system that can be
compared to manufacturer specifications
for that machine. The results give you
both performance expectations and an
idea of the hydraulic system wear. The
dynamometer gives you a horsepower
reading and a chance to see the tractor
work under load. Working under load,
you can gauge noise (operator comfort).
Exhaust emission, under load, can be
read by an good mechanic for fuel pump
performance and setting and engine
wear. The fuel and oil consumption can
also be worked out on the dynamometer.
Also check to see if grease fittings
show signs of regular use. All gauges
work and operate in the normal ranges.
Power steering works freely and smooth-
ly. Brakes take about equal pressure t2
make a break -turn in either direction.
Tire wear can be fairly accurately gauged
by tread wear and the general condition
of tire casings.
General appearance of a machine can
tell you something about the care it has
had. As one person said, "normal
operation produces a certain amount of
dirt, but really dirty dirt that is as old as
the tractor is another story."
One of the most important parts of the
tractor is the air intake. If there is any
evidence of unfiltered air entering the
engine, stop right there. That engine has
probably got a short future ahead of it.
Engine fluids can tell you some stories
too. Scale, rust or oil in the coolant could
all mean problems. Engine oil that has
been run at least 25 hours can give an
indication of engine wear. Transmissions
and hydraulic oil can give an indication of
bearing and transmission wear. Watch
for dirt and grit that may be wearing out
vital parts.
No used tractor is going to be perfect,
but a check-up and a few observations
can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
The number of hours logged on the
hourmeter won't tell you the whole story.
[Perth County Farm News]