This will allow for earlier planting, provide a better soil environment for germination and growth, and reduce nitrogen loss by denitrification. Conservation tillage practices are applicable on many Ohio soils. Unnecessary tillage wastes time and fuel, with no yield improvement. Eliminating moldboard plowing can save two gallons of diesel fuel per acre. Grow Corn In Rotation With A Forage Legume.
Legume stands can provide large amounts of N for corn production.
A good alfalfa stand can provide all the N necessary for the succeeding corn crop, and a portion of the N needed the following year. Use Pesticides Wisely. Know your weed and insect problems. Use herbicides and insecticides, but no more than are needed. Each pound of active pesticide contains the energy equivalent of approximately 0.6 gallons of diesel fuel.