The Bladen County no-till grain drill prevents soil erosion and lessens sedimentation and nutrient loading in streams
Cape Fear RCD provided support for the acquisition of a 10’ John Deere no-till grain drill being used by limited resource farmers in Bladen and Columbus Counties. Dean Morris, NRCS Natural Resource Conservationist reported that this fiscal year, 27 “customers” planted 965.7 acres using the grain drill. The no-till drill helps prevent soil erosion and significantly cuts down on sedimentation and nutrient loading in streams and rivers. Small farmers with smaller tractors and wildlife enthusiasts interested in planting food plots are renting the grain drill at a small per-acre rate from the Bladen Soil and Water Conservation District. Seasonal crops such as small grains and sorghum can be planted using the grain drill. Rental income is being used to maintain the drill.