Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
A few thoughts on how to handle every field differently!
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Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
MN Slick
5 year old buck +
I pulled samples over the weekend. I'll send you a PM. Thanks
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Update on the conservation tillage - as you can see the bucks are liking it!
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Importance of exclusion fence and moisture.
We always try to maximize our moisture retention through various processes - no till, reduced till, etc.
However, we still need moisture to grow good crops. Water is natures solvent and it allows both aerobic bacteria and nutrients to be plant available within the soil profile.
All of that said - exclusion fences are critical. Trail cameras tell a small portion of the story and often can miss grazing deer in a plot (depending on size and location of camera).
Both these plots are coming on great since our recent rains, and the wildlife is immediately taking advantage of the fresh growth. Because I have exclusion fences up - I’ll have a very clear understanding of what was drought suppressed vs. deer consumed.
Get outside and enjoy the outdoors!!
We always try to maximize our moisture retention through various processes - no till, reduced till, etc.
However, we still need moisture to grow good crops. Water is natures solvent and it allows both aerobic bacteria and nutrients to be plant available within the soil profile.
All of that said - exclusion fences are critical. Trail cameras tell a small portion of the story and often can miss grazing deer in a plot (depending on size and location of camera).
Both these plots are coming on great since our recent rains, and the wildlife is immediately taking advantage of the fresh growth. Because I have exclusion fences up - I’ll have a very clear understanding of what was drought suppressed vs. deer consumed.
Get outside and enjoy the outdoors!!
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Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Really excited to be offering (at no additional cost to grower) seed armor+innoculant.
We wanted to offer a broad spectrum biological and humic based seed coating that is all natural, and helps with germination to root establishment.
We have also increased our brassicas (solid combo of forage and tuber producers) this year and added chicory to make the mix even better!!
checkout all the details below!
We wanted to offer a broad spectrum biological and humic based seed coating that is all natural, and helps with germination to root establishment.
We have also increased our brassicas (solid combo of forage and tuber producers) this year and added chicory to make the mix even better!!
checkout all the details below!
Habitat Podcast: #231 - Al Tomechko & Jared Van Hees - Fall Food Plots, Grains & Brassicas, Planting Methods, Seed Rates, Vitalize Seed New Product on Apple Podcasts
Show Habitat Podcast, Ep #231 - Al Tomechko & Jared Van Hees - Fall Food Plots, Grains & Brassicas, Planting Methods, Seed Rates, Vitalize Seed New Product - Jun 26, 2023
podcasts.apple.com
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Wow! Amazing what can happen in 6 days - look at that growth!!
Cell cameras have enabled me to make far better plant growth observations in real time than I ever could have in the past.
Now, it doesn’t beat being in the field but it sure helps to gather data on plant growth. I like to compare this (observationally) across multiple fields/cameras.
Just using this technique I can get an idea on soil fertility variances, soil type variances, plot size/browse issue, etc. example - if two plots on same day are showing two different drastically different growth patterns, I know I can go back my soil tests and possibly consider pulling tissue samples as well. Test test test!
Just another tool in the box and maybe a new way you can think about using cell cameras!
Cell cameras have enabled me to make far better plant growth observations in real time than I ever could have in the past.
Now, it doesn’t beat being in the field but it sure helps to gather data on plant growth. I like to compare this (observationally) across multiple fields/cameras.
Just using this technique I can get an idea on soil fertility variances, soil type variances, plot size/browse issue, etc. example - if two plots on same day are showing two different drastically different growth patterns, I know I can go back my soil tests and possibly consider pulling tissue samples as well. Test test test!
Just another tool in the box and maybe a new way you can think about using cell cameras!
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
As of now I am only tissue testing using a cover crop analysis test via ward labs.
This has been very helpful in seeing general plant to nutrient uptake and allow me to see what I am putting back into the soil. For example last year on two different fields .5 miles apart and different soil types, the summer mixed average 45lbs of N, 22lbs P, and 85lbs K per acre!! This was just above ground biomass and of course secondary and micors were high there as well.
The plants looked extremely healthy and showed no signs of needing foliar. Had they showed signs of deficiency- I’d be more likely to take individual samples.
However, on a few smaller fields I knew I couldn’t have achieved that as I didn’t get that type of biomass due to browse. This is where I am very interested in foliars helping to drive plant health, and biomass early to help compete the browse. Not a fix all but certainly can help - imo.
When I have time I am taking a soil sample out of the same square I took the tissue sampling and trying to draw correlations between the two as well and comparing it to the data from my normal year to year soil samples. The biggest revelation I have had to this point is the P availability on a M3 test is a small % of what’s actually available and taken up by the plants in a functioning system.
I have not applied any fert other than lime or gypsum in 6+ years. I do plan to continue use some foliars in the future (been testing some in controlled environments).
I have not done individual plant testing at this time (just run out of time!!).
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Life is truly precious due to its unavoidable finite end.
However, with death comes new life and the pertinent cycle marches on.
Nature is the same. With cutting comes new and vigorous life. Life that buzzes and shakes with energy that a person can feel when they come in close proximity.
Life that invigorates other life- the true meaning of symbiosis.
Selling and cutting timber is not an easy thing to do. The memories in these pines are far to great to list.
However, creating habitat with limited invasives and strong native regeneration is a must - this cannot be forgotten.
This one decision will positively impact future generations who follow in my footsteps to manage the family farm.
Thank you God for the opportunity to be so intrinsically in-tune with your creation.
However, with death comes new life and the pertinent cycle marches on.
Nature is the same. With cutting comes new and vigorous life. Life that buzzes and shakes with energy that a person can feel when they come in close proximity.
Life that invigorates other life- the true meaning of symbiosis.
Selling and cutting timber is not an easy thing to do. The memories in these pines are far to great to list.
However, creating habitat with limited invasives and strong native regeneration is a must - this cannot be forgotten.
This one decision will positively impact future generations who follow in my footsteps to manage the family farm.
Thank you God for the opportunity to be so intrinsically in-tune with your creation.
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Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
I’ve followed @landandlegacy for years. Was an absolute pleasure to be invited on to talk soils. Thanks @adamkeith_landl!!
Soil Health Fads, and Improved Food Plots with Al Tomechko
Podcast Episode · Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting · 06/30/2023 · 49m
podcasts.apple.com
356
5 year old buck +
Great episode…I appreciate the balanced approach you take to regenerative and conservation farming. Yes, herbicide and tillage are still tools in the toolbox for land managers. I love no-till and reducing inputs, but getting there requires a degree of balance.View attachment 54054
I’ve followed @landandlegacy for years. Was an absolute pleasure to be invited on to talk soils. Thanks @adamkeith_landl!!
Soil Health Fads, and Improved Food Plots with Al Tomechko
Podcast Episode · Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting · 06/30/2023 · 49m
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Thank you so much!!! I just want people to get excited about soil conservation. I love no till. I love reduced inputs. However, there are natural vicissitudes that impact these cycles - deer browse, deer density changes, etc. and sometimes we need to use a tool in the box.
As I like to say “ a step towards soil conservation is a step in the right direction”
I really want to excite more people and grow their excitement with acceptance and a plan that works for them!!
Thank you again!!
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Took a shovel and studied some soil this past Friday.
This field is inherently dry and is a lighter soil on the farm (8 cec) and this year I used @tainiobiologicals spectrum+myco to further help drive the biology with the Nitorboost mix. Observationally, I am very happy with the results.
Upon examining - I spoke to agronomists, soil scientists and a mycologist - it seems we all were homogeneous in our observations.
1. You can see mycelium forming in the roots hairs - good sign of fungi and plant relationship
2. You can see other fungi strains that appear to be aiding in the sub soil function - exact species was not identified. However, we are happy to see the fungal presence and likely this is helping us to break down higher C:N crops faster.
3. The rhizosheath formations (root hairs being covered with soil) is phenomenal- aiding in biological soil aggregation as well as biological soil to plant function or sign thereof.
Nothing happens over night, but when we stick with the process -we can see amazing positive changes occur in our fields.
This field is inherently dry and is a lighter soil on the farm (8 cec) and this year I used @tainiobiologicals spectrum+myco to further help drive the biology with the Nitorboost mix. Observationally, I am very happy with the results.
Upon examining - I spoke to agronomists, soil scientists and a mycologist - it seems we all were homogeneous in our observations.
1. You can see mycelium forming in the roots hairs - good sign of fungi and plant relationship
2. You can see other fungi strains that appear to be aiding in the sub soil function - exact species was not identified. However, we are happy to see the fungal presence and likely this is helping us to break down higher C:N crops faster.
3. The rhizosheath formations (root hairs being covered with soil) is phenomenal- aiding in biological soil aggregation as well as biological soil to plant function or sign thereof.
Nothing happens over night, but when we stick with the process -we can see amazing positive changes occur in our fields.
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Here is a small NitroBoost plot. Although the plot has received a ton of browse, it is still growing and attracting deer every night. There is some weed pressure but overall the plot has done a fantastic job of feeding deer and soil all Spring and Summer.
This little plot will be rocking once planted in carbon load come fall!!
This little plot will be rocking once planted in carbon load come fall!!
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Yes sir. Anytime!! Happy to help and give some feedback.
Wind Gypsy
5 year old buck +
View attachment 54054
I’ve followed @landandlegacy for years. Was an absolute pleasure to be invited on to talk soils. Thanks @adamkeith_landl!!
Soil Health Fads, and Improved Food Plots with Al Tomechko
Podcast Episode · Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting · 06/30/2023 · 49m
Listened to this one, good job Al. It was a good follow up to the rant they went on about people making silly mistakes with "regenerative ag" attempts.
Between the L&L rant and some Higgins rants (although he is changing tune a bit lately), it seems a lot of plotters are failing to read between the lines of dr Woods' pitches and/or some names in the industry chose to look at the extreme failures.
Maybe sites like this help me read between the lines when dr Woods is preaching release method in regards to getting the ground into the right place before herbicide/fertilizer/tillage is completely eliminated but I think folks like him could make that more clear and do less magic bullet selling with minimal caveat so people don't get themselves sideways thinking they can crimp terminate fescue..
Buckhunter10
5 year old buck +
Thank you very much!!
Lot of amazing and intelligent people in the industry. Like many things, sometimes it’s just easy not to mention vs. sharing the full picture.
I think we all must step back and realize that any step towards soil conservation is a positive step in the right direction.
Crimping isn’t the end all be all solution. Spraying 5 times a year isn’t either.
I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of brilliant people. I find it frustrating that many of them speak about “regen ag” with such passion but just skip over the standard and agreed upon agronomic science that is know (even when they implement it - they just assume others don’t want to hear about it).
An example of this is understanding base saturations. Understanding carbon to nitrogen ratios. Understanding the antagonism and synergistic relationships that are very well documented within the soil profile of inputs, and so much more.
Now all that to say - regen ag is amazing and we all learn more each year. What can we accomplish with biology?! Their might be no ceiling!!
However, I want people who consider Vitalize seed to realize they are welcome no matter their level of equipment and desire for regen ag. We are going to work together to help you come up with a plan that fits the growers goals and helps to improve soil health over time.
Lastly - even if you’re not using our products. I hope my threads and posts help to understand some of the dynamics of soil and how things work.
Thanks again for the kind words. Means a lot.
Albert
