Ag Answers:Expo Cultivates Knowledge of Conservation Tillage

A daylong event to provide information on conservation tillage, one of the most important practices in reducing soil erosion, takes place next month in northeast Indiana.

The Tri-State Conservation Tillage Expo is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST March 4 in the Cord Building at Kruse Auction Park in Auburn, Ind., located along Interstate 69. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, St. Joseph Watershed Initiative and other organizations have joined to make the event possible.

"Conservation tillage, especially no-till, is considered one of the most effective practices used to reduce soil erosion and nutrient and pesticide runoff," said Jim Lake, Extension soil conservation specialist. "Increasing the use of conservation tillage in the St. Joseph River Watershed is critical to enhancing the source water quality of Fort Wayne's drinking water supply."

Private consultants and specialists will speak on a wide variety of conservation tillage topics, including the use of geographic information systems to evaluate tillage systems, balancing calcium and magnesium ratios, and monitoring the level of pesticides in the water supply.

Ken Ferrie, agronomic consultant with Crop Tech Consulting and consulting field agronomist for Farm Journal magazine, is the featured speaker. Ferrie will discuss his five-year study assessing the impact of uniform soil density on root development, crop yield and profits.

Vertical tillage equipment, strip-till units, rotary harrows and no-till planter attachments will be on display. Local chemical and seed suppliers also will exhibit products and be available to meet with attendees.

Expo tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Admission includes coffee, doughnuts, lunch and refreshments at the show.

For additional program information or to purchase tickets, contact the St. Joseph Watershed Initiative at (260) 426-4637 ext. 3 or by e-mail at kirby-thompson@iaswcd.org.