Cultivation vs Direct Seeding

      Following harvest of 2012, our "Cs" field had a boundary realignment with our neighbors.  Spring seeding in 2013 allowed us to compare ground that has been continually cultivated for 100+ years with ground (across the old property boundary) that has been Direct Seeded for the last 20+ years.  The purpose of this post is to state the physical difference between the two properties.  There will be no attempt to update this post comparing yields or crop vigor.

SUMMARY:-- Custom operators struggle in providing adequate service to Direct Seed system operations.
        The ground that has been Direct Seeded for a lengthy period of time moves moisture from the surface and into the soil profile much faster than ground that has been continuously cultivated for many years.

DETAIL:-- The ("Cs & Cc & D")fields were not prepared well for spring cropping in 2013.  The "new" property was not sprayed.  We seeded into heavy volunteer wheat which will likely cause disease to the spring barley crop.  The main field, "Cs", which the "new" property is attached was sprayed with Gromoxone by a custom operator.  The job ended poorly,--- likely, too little solution for adequate coverage.  It's possible that the tall, wind blown stubble interfered with the coverage.  This field should have been sprayed last fall (the custom operator never showed).  The field is a mess!!
       This custom experience is another example of our need to have our own equipment.  Five attempts resulting in five failures.   On one hand, our system is very simple (spray and plant, and harvest); however, simplicity is replaced by time sensitivity and chemical selection.  Time sensitivity is something that custom operations will continue to struggle with.  Spraying, for a Direct Seed system is very "time sensitive", and a problem with a specific application has to be dealt with quickly.  Once the custom operator leaves the property, good luck getting him back for cleanup.  Custom drilling has similar issues.  We have been lucky for the most part getting the drill when desired; however, as more demand develops for this service, timeliness will become an issue.   Farming operations using a cultivation system have issues of timeliness as well; however, they have a much wider window.
        When we drilled the Cs field, it was obvious when we crossed the boundary between old and new property.  Although both sides of the old boundary was left in stubble from harvest 2012, the side that has been cultivated for 100+ years was wetter on the surface and did not support the Direct Seed Equipment.  Ruts were left in the ground, particularly when turning.
         It was obvious that the moisture was held higher in the soil profile on the ground with a history of cultivation.  Decayed roots and macro-fawna has made channels that has allowed the surface water to move deeper into the soil profile in the Direct Seeded ground.   Improved soil structure also plays a role in helping resist soil compaction.