Getting Your Land Ready for Planting Season

According to the Farm Bureau, 30% of all farmers are beginning farmers (in business less than 10 years). And March is a critical month for soil health, crop selection, and land management—decisions made now can determine the success of the growing season ahead. As winter loosens its grip and spring approaches, it is crucial to shift your focus to preparing fields for planting. Let’s dive into what you need to know this month.

Soil Health & Sustainable Farming Practices

Soil health isn’t just about what’s beneath the surface—it impacts everything from crop yield to water retention and erosion control. Before planting begins, take time to assess soil composition and structure. Here are a few essential steps to improve soil health and sustainability:

Conduct Soil Testing: Understanding pH levels, nutrient content, and organic matter helps you determine which amendments are needed. AcreValue’s Soil Survey map layer provides detailed insights into your soil’s characteristics, helping you make informed decisions.

Implement Cover Crops: Cover crops like clover, rye, or radishes replenish nutrients, prevent erosion, and improve soil structure. They also help suppress weeds before the main planting season begins.

Use Conservation Tillage: According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service from 2012-2017, farms practicing reduced tillage increased 11%, and acres under reduced tillage methods increased 28%. And this number is only increasing! Reduced tillage methods help retain soil moisture and organic matter, preventing compaction and erosion. No-till or strip-till systems can also reduce fuel and labor costs.

Manage Water Efficiently: Proper drainage and irrigation strategies prevent waterlogging and drought stress. AcreValue can help you identify drainage patterns and optimize water use across your fields.

By investing in soil health now, you create a foundation for higher yields and long-term sustainability.

Choosing the Right Crops for Your Land

Not all crops thrive in every region, and choosing the right crops for your soil type can make a big difference in profitability and efficiency. Here’s how to make informed planting decisions:

Know Your Soil’s Strengths: Some soils hold moisture better, while others drain quickly. Sandy soils work well for root crops like carrots and potatoes, while loamy soils are ideal for corn and soybeans. Use AcreValue’s soil data to analyze your land’s characteristics before planting.

Consider Crop Rotation Benefits: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 82 to 94 percent of most crops are grown in some sort of rotation! Rotating crops can help break disease cycles, improve soil fertility, and reduce pest pressure. For example, alternating between legumes and grains can naturally replenish nitrogen levels. 

Factor in Market Demand & Climate: High-yield crops are great, but they should also be profitable. Research market trends, commodity prices, and climate conditions to ensure you’re making the most of your acreage.

AcreValue’s mapping tools allow you to assess past land use and compare historical yield trends, giving you an edge in crop planning.

How GIS Mapping Helps Farmers Optimize Land Use

Technology is playing a bigger role in agriculture than ever before, and GIS mapping is a powerful tool for making data-driven land management decisions. With AcreValue, farmers can:

Identify Soil Variability: Different parts of your field may have different soil compositions. GIS maps help pinpoint variations so you can apply fertilizers and amendments where they’re needed most.

Improve Field Boundaries & Land Use Planning: Mapping out property lines, irrigation zones, and field layouts ensures you’re using every acre efficiently. AcreValue’s parcel mapping features help you visualize your land’s potential.

Optimize Water Management: Did you know, irrigated agriculture produces 49 percent of U.S. crop market value on 18 percent of cropped lands, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture? There is a clear indication that better water management increases profit for farmers. By analyzing elevation and soil data, GIS tools help determine the best locations for drainage improvements, irrigation systems, and erosion control measures.

By leveraging GIS mapping, you can make smarter, data-backed decisions about land use, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

Springtime Land Maintenance Checklist

March isn’t just about prepping for planting—it’s also time to take care of essential maintenance tasks to ensure your land is in peak condition. Here’s a checklist to keep your property in top shape:

• Inspect & Repair Fencing: Check property lines for broken fences and make necessary repairs to keep livestock and crops secure.
• Assess Drainage & Irrigation Systems: Clean out ditches, inspect tile drainage, and ensure irrigation equipment is functioning properly.
• Clear Debris & Weeds: Remove leftover plant debris from last season and control early spring weed growth before it becomes a bigger problem.
• Test Soil & Apply Amendments: According to Science Direct, 98% of farmers test their soil! This furthers the importance of soil testing in early spring. Soil testing in early spring allows time for applying necessary fertilizers or lime before planting begins.

Staying on top of these tasks will ensure your land is ready for a productive growing season.

Maximize Your Farm’s Potential with AcreValue

As you prepare for planting season, AcreValue can help you make the best decisions for your land. Whether you’re analyzing soil conditions, mapping out property lines, or optimizing land use with GIS technology, we’ve got the resources you need.