A Summary of a Conservation Tillage Corn Yield Contest in Knox County Ohio

Abstract

Farmers in Knox County, Ohio have been pioneers in no-till corn (Zea mays L) production in Ohio from its inception in the early 1970s. The Knox County Conservation Tillage Corn Yield Contest began in 1979, with its goals being to promote adoption of no-till production practices and reduction of soil erosion, while maintaining high yields. Between 1979 and 1993 the average yield for contest participants was 42% higher than the state average. Farmers realized these results, yet significantly reduced N, P, and K rates by 3.7, 3.0, and 4.0 kg ha -l yr -l, respectively. Although reduction in herbicide use was slight, the number of contest fields receiving insecticide applications decreased from a peak of 100% (41 fields) use in 1979 to a low of 8% use in 1991 (3 fields). As this contest has progressed, the information collected has become fundamental in extension educational programs, field days, and agronomy meetings to prove that high yields and the efficient use of management inputs is feasible in conservation tillage systems. Contest results have also been presented to nonfarm community groups to exhibit Knox County corn growers are using environmentally improved management practices resulting in rreduced erosion and pesticide use.