County Conservation District celebrates Soil and Water Week
WAYNESBURG – In recognition of Soil and Water Stewardship Week, April 24-30, the Greene County Conservation District purchased a seven-foot, Great Plains end wheel no-till drill, equipped with three seed boxes, that is available for rent to Greene County farmers and landowners.
The conservation district’s goal is to reduce soil loss, protect and promote the wise use of precious soils, raise animals and support the natural world around us.
The conservation district’s drill rental program encourages and assists farmers in implementing no-till crop production systems, which includes cover crops and promotes good pasture management. No-till involves planting seed directly into the soil without plowing, tilling or disking.
Advantages of no-till practices include: reducing operator’s time and expenses; promoting healthier soils through building soil structure and adding organic matter; feeding beneficial microorganisms; reducing soil loss from erosion and increasing infiltration and increasing yields due to optimal soil conditions.
The drill will be available from the conservation district on a first-come, first-served basis. A refundable deposit of $150 is required to schedule a three-day rental. A 55-horsepower or larger tractor is required for operating the drill and a heavy duty truck is required for transport. The conservation district also offers a two-ton wet lime spreader for rent.
For more information, contact Karlie Wright at the conservation district at kwright@co.greene.pa.us or 724-852-5278.