His soil loss was estimated at 1.8 tons per acre substantially below his county s average soil allowable figure of 5 tons per acre. His top four weed-management points are Cover crops to improve soil structure. Red clover, Nitro annual alfalfa and berseem clover are his favorite covers because of their ability to loosen up soil. Fernholz wants a crumbly, coarsely granular structure to create the optimum environment for vigorous development of crop roots. It also maximizes the weed-killing effect of his implements, allowing them to uproot weed seedlings and not create clods or slabs.
Strong stands keep opportunistic fall grasses from invading.
He applies manure immediately after grain harvest, lets the legume grow through late fall, then chisel plows the field about 7 inches deep. The result is a rough surface that traps snow and enough residue to prevent erosion. He makes two passes about 4 inches deep one at 45 degrees to the row, the second with the row. Planting tied to soil temperature. Because daily temperatures in the planting zone fluctuate considerably as the soil gradually warms in spring, he waits until he finds consistent readings with his soil thermometer located 5 inches deep.