[Update - 11/2/14] Reflection -- The comments during and after the meeting expressed an understanding that techniques to keep the soil cool and the wind off the surface were important in saving moisture. The presenters from low rainfall areas agree that surface protection (cover) is important, but are struggling to raise enough biomass to make that happen.
We have limited experience (3yr) with an ultra-low disturbance cropping system, but there is evidence that we can maintain residue derived from our winter wheat crop, when it is followed by a low residue mustard crop that is then followed by a fallow period. Prior to moving to a ULD system, we had too much residue to establish a decent spring crop following winter wheat, and too little residue going into a fallow period. This spring, using the cross-slot drill, we were able to punch through 12,000#/ac residue into cool damp soil, establish an excellent stand, and suppress weed emergence. Residue manipulation (mowing, harrowing, mashing, scuffing.) and using a hoe or disc drill that kicks dirt on the residue accelerates decomposition and promotes weed germination. Most of our weeds emerge in the wheel tracks mostly places where there is scuffing and thin residue.
We feel that the stripper header should be used as part of a ULD system. It's an expensive tool to use with seeding systems that require additional residue management techniques prior to drilling.
The Colfax, WA. Direct Seed Breakfast featured four speakers that reported on their experience using a stripper header. WSU at Ralston, Wa. have 4 years experience, the Eriksen's at St. John have 3years, the Juris' at Bickleton have 2 years, and DeWald's at Lind have one year of experience.
All speakers had moisture saving as a primary reason for their use of the stripper header.
Eriksen reported on a 1970-80's study by OSU and WSU, presented by Dr. Pappendick in 1989 where : 1-- moisture received is used in four ways: 1% goes below the root zone by hydraulic pressure, 4% runs off the soil surface, 12% is transpired through the plant, and 83% is lost from evaporation off of the soil surface. 2-- the closing comment by Dr. Pappendick at the time was that we could have some effect on moisture loss from evaporation by keeping the soil cool, and maintain a low air velocity across the surface. Eriksen inferred that the stripper header is a big step toward meeting the the goal of lowering the air velocity. Eriksen's have coupled the stripper header with an ultra low disturbance (ULD) drill to further reduce moisture loss from evaporation.
Although the Pappendick and Ramig study was never published, the WSU speaker made reference to studies that supported Pappendick's concluding statements about keeping soils cool and the surface calm. WSU's study with the stripper header involves temperatures, wind velocity and moisture differences.
Both Eriksen and WSU stated that they were seeing a reduction of weed competition with the stripper header. Eriksen stated that he thought they would be able, in time, reduce the number of chemical applications.
Eriksen stated that he thought the stripper header would cut all crops that are raised in the area except canola and mustard and corn. If canola and mustard crops have a short variety, they can also be cut. The hood of the stripper header is the limitation. It will not open wide enough to capture more than 24-30 inches of seed pods without significant crop loss.
Juris commented that the header handled rocks quite will. They experienced a number of strikes this year do to short crops left in the wake of the drought. The header kicked them out with minimal damage to the rotor. An adjustable plier works well to straighten out bent fingers resulting from striking the ground or foreign objects.
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