If the restrictive layer begins at 8 inches and is only 2 to 3 inches thick, then the tillage shank must penetrate to 10 to 12 inches deep. The key is that the deep tillage implement extends just below the restrictive layer so that the layer is effectively lifted and shattered. Surface tillage, especially disking, reforms restrictive layers very quickly and should be avoided, if possible, or at least limited. For more information, contact the Jackson County Office of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service at 523-7450. There's not much left to cover as far as the 1999 crop goes.
Harvest is well underway.
The corn harvest is pretty much finished with some incredible yields in several fields and I'm sure the highest county average ever. This is in stark contrast to last year when yields were much lower and in some cases disastrous. I haven't heard of any reports of aflatoxin after a year when some corn was rejected at the elevator and some sold at discount prices. Rice harvest has steadily gotten into full swing over the last couple of weeks. The yields I have heard so far have been extremely variable, ranging from below 100 to above 200.