What does rhizospheric ecology have to do decision agriculture; let alone corn, soybeans, cover crops, nutrient management and water quality? Find out on March 6 and 7.

Past participants of the Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference (CTC) have endured Ohio Northern University student competition in Ada, Ohio for parking, meals and general elbow room since the program was often scheduled on days when classes were in session. Moving the CTC to March 6 and 7 this year should allow for a roomier atmosphere that is more conducive to parking and lunch, and make transitioning between sessions easier for participants.   

Previous attendees should have received a registration flier by now. However, the agenda continues to develop, so accessing the updated program at http://ctc.osu.edu could be beneficial for all who have not yet decided to take advantage of the annual event. Following is what is on tap so far, at least for those interested in conservation minded, high-yield crop farmers and consultants.

Please note that by arriving early on the sixth, you can partake in several sessions on cover crops prior to enrolling in the “Corn University.” The 8 a.m. “Great Lakes Cover Crop Initiative” to improve nutrient management, NW Ohio nutrient management with cover crops, and cover crops effect on earthworms, nutrients and carbon all offer eye opening information. More on those agenda items in next week’s Ohio Farm News.

For the general session, you will want to be signed in before 9:30 a.m. to be able to enjoy a caffeine, juice and baked sugar session with numerous commercial supporters. Grabbing a choice seat to embrace the perspectives of the first speaker could pay significant dividends.

“Healthy Soil for Higher Yielding Crops” features Jill Clapperton, a soil consultant from Montana, also a world recognized rhizoshphere ecologist. Although you may want to take time to look up what that means, your time will be better spent absorbing her knowledge about ultra tiny soil organisms and how to feed them to help make you more money. Dr. Clapperton sets the stage for the entire two-day CTC.

Peter Thomison, Ohio State University Extension corn specialist is designated to serve as moderator for the star-studded Corn University, which is sponsored by Dekalb/Asgrow. Ohio native Dr. Emerson Nafziger, University of Illinois Extension agronomist, returns to the CTC to guide farmers and consultants through the maze of “Hybrid, Nitrogen and Plant Population: Getting to the Right Combination.”  

University of Missouri Extension Agronomist Bill Weibold tackles additional corn production issues right after lunch, followed by Greg Roth, his counterpart from Penn State, who plans to develop with the audience, producer plans for building soil quality for higher no-till yields. 

As we strive to meet ever-increasing corn production needs for our domestic dairy cattle, swine, beef, poultry, cars, bioplastics, etc, as well as exports, accessing the brain power of these experts at the Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, becomes more and more valuable for crop farmers, as well as the company and agency  personnel who work with them.

The CTC agenda provides learning opportunities in many other areas, including soybean production, water quality, precision planting, nutrient management, decision farming and more. 

Registration by Feb. 24 saves $10 for each day. Sign up utilizing fliers available at Ohio Extension, SWCD and FSA offices or online at http://ctc.osu.edu

Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.