Stepan

In his regenerative arable farming peration, Stepan is actively working to increase the biological matter and, consequently, the humus content in his soil through the strategic use of catch crops. Following his soybean harvest, he sowed a winter catch crop that he intends to incorporate into the soil in the spring.

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His farming practices for crops like wheat and soybeans include avoiding the plow and leaving the crop straw in the field rather than harvesting it. For example, after the current soybean crop, he plans to plant wheat and will use a disk harrow to mix the remaining straw into the soil.

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This year, Stepan specifically used mustard as his catch crop. He incorporates it into the soil using a disk machine, aiming for greater fuel efficiency per hectare compared to conventional methods, while still pursuing the common objective of improving soil aggregation.

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Stepan remains open to implementing additional soil health practices. Stepan is supported by Agrarada Ukraine LLC, who supports his efforts, and will suggest further techniques to enhance soil humus levels.