No-till planting of cereal grains, legumes, and grasses for cover crops in orchards is not only beneficial because it saves fuel and minimizes erosion, but it also leaves soil organisms basically undisturbed. For these reasons alone, plus time and fuel saving, growers should consider using the District’s 7 foot no-till drill.
The No-Till Drill can be pulled by a 50 Horsepower utility-type tractor with one set of hydraulic remotes or by a half ton pickup with a trailer hitch. The machine has three seed boxes: One for cereal grains (rye, oats, sudan grass, etc.) used commonly in this area for cover crops; one for fluffy seeds - native grasses or other forage grasses used in pastures or site restorations; one small box for legumes tiny round seeds such as clover and alfalfa).
No-Till Renting Fees
For Leelanau County: $10.00 @ acre (5 acre minimum)
Outside Leelanau County: Base Fee of $50.00 + $10.00 @ acre (5 acre minimum)