Tillage Innovation Profiles

 

Mark Comley – Shirlmar Farms, Ancaster, Wentworth
Soil Type: Clay loam | Farm Operation: Cash Crop
Years in Operation of Coulter Harrow: 7

Tillage/Cropping System

System: Coulter Harrow
Fall Tillage: Zone tilling
Spring Tillage: None if possible

Planter Make, Model and Description
  • Kearney Classic frame with Kinze row units
  • Unverferth with Kinze row units
Tillage/Coulter Dimensions:
  • 3-coulter set up 1 ½ inch, eight wave, blades
  • one coulter in the middle, one on either side four inches apart

Fertilizer System: dry fertilizer
Liquid In furrow:
Broadcast: in fall if needed
Dry Banded: two inches one side of row
Additional Nitrogen on Planter: 40 lbs w/planter
Sidedress N: remainder side dressed using the N calculator

test
Producer's Comments

Pros

Cons
  • Able to spend more time planting with 2 drivers.
  • Able to plant on the zones earlier.
  • Cuts down on fuel and equipment costs.
  • Better soil health.
  • Planters are generally heavier. Need appropriate tires on planter.
  • Increased maintenance to planter due to more moving parts.
  • Difficult to build berms in a wet fall.