Reducing Applied Inputs After Years of Building Soil Health

Brian Corkill and his father, Alan, farm corn and soybeans near Galva, Illinois, using strip-till and no-till systems, along with cover crops. Brian started using cover crops about 15 years ago to slow soil erosion and reverse soil compaction. He has since observed other positive effects of cover crops – such as his ability to reduce commercial fertilizer inputs while maintaining yields. Brian attributes this to greater soil microbial activity and improved nitrogen retention from cover crops.

Brian has also noticed that cover crops help suppress weeds. He continues to move the needle on soil health on the farm, from installing a bioreactor to planting green to trying new cover crop species like camelina. Brian is excited to have you join him at this field day to see these practices in action!