Best Practices
We research best practices through reading, crop walking, lectures and discussions then implement these best practices in our fields, pastures, orchards and wetlands. After implementation we use observation, record keeping and common sense to see if the best practice implementation is working for us. If it works we continue using it, if it doesn't work we continue looking for solutions.
Historical Look at Milewski Farm Soil Tests
In our last post we explored how a scientific approach to soil testing could assist in land management decisions. Now we turn our attention to a collection of sporadic soil tests that were done over a 50-year time span.
Soil Testing for Cropping Decisions
Here is a general discussion of soil testing with some ideas that should be implemented into your testing schedule. Click on the PDF below to read
Peas and Oats in Crop Rotations
Soil Health
Click on the PDF below to read about the science behind current crop rotations including Peas and Oats
Soil Health has many different factors. Soil Erosion and soil compaction are two areas that are being studied on the Milewski Farm. The following PDF shows the root systems of prairie plants which are being used on the Milewski Farm to release compacted soils.
Soil Conservation
Soil Conservation has been studied for centuries. The most advancement this science received in the United States was after the dust bowl. The following PDF is a good primer on understanding soil conservation and how it applies to today
Permaculture
Permaculture is a set of design principles centered on whole systems thinking, simulating, or directly utilizing the patterns and resilient features observed in natural ecosystems.
Crop Rotation Chart
Field Management Chart
The Milewski Farm has created the following Crop Rotation Chart to simply keep track of cropping choices over the decades. Click on the PDF below to see
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Land Management Ideas with Jens Jensen and Lenard Milewski
We understand we have a responsibility to the ecosystem in place and the ecosystem that will be present in the future. We learn from historic thinkers like Jens Jensen and of course our ancestors. Click on the PDF below to see
The Milewski Farm has created the following field management chart useful in planning and data keeping to test best practices. Click on the PDF below to see