Compacted soil inhibits the ability of the plant to grow an extensive root system, therefore effecting its ability to take-up nutrients and water. Compaction also inhibits air and water movement through the soil which can negatively impact plant growth. Deep tillage utilizes an implement with long shanks to break the soil 16 to 18 inches deep and is followed by standard discs and rollers to smooth the surface for planting. No-till or reduced tillage are conservation practices in which the killed roots and stalks of the previous crop are left on the field and the current crop planted into the stubble. Leaving surface residue has many benefits such as preventing erosion, increasing the water holding capacity of the soil, increasing the organic matter content, and improving weed control.
Manure is a major by-product of dairy farms and is useful as a nutrient source for crop production.
Utilizing these on-farm resources maximizes profits by recycling waste products back into crop production and minimizing outside inputs. Regular spring and fall soil and manure testing is needed to determine the nutrient content of homogenized manure and match the application rate to specific field needs. The Northern Piedmont of Virginia is characterized by rolling foothill between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Coastal Plain to the east. The climate is similar to the valley region, but the piedmont is 600 feet lower in elevation. Common pasture grasses include orchard grass and fescue.