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Prairie City Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois Farmer Boosts No-Till Yields with Gypsum
Ken Curtis shares how broadcasting gypsum has improved nutrient uptake and reduced erosion on his 2,000-acre no-till operation.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:27am
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An abstract scientific illustration captures the complex interplay of natural forces and soil health principles that enable no-till farmers like Ken Curtis to boost their crop yields through strategic gypsum applications.Prairie City TodayKen Curtis, a fourth-generation farmer in Prairie City, Illinois, has been no-tilling about 2,000 acres since 1985. To improve soil health and boost yields on his no-till corn and soybean fields, Curtis has found success in broadcasting gypsum with his New Leader fertilizer spreader. This practice has helped reduce erosion and runoff while also improving nutrient uptake for his crops.
Why it matters
As more farmers transition to no-till practices, finding effective ways to maintain soil structure and fertility is crucial. Curtis' experience shows how gypsum can be a valuable tool for no-till farmers looking to enhance their yields and protect their most valuable asset - the soil.
The details
Curtis, who calls his farming region 'Forgotonia' due to its remote location, has experimented with various management strategies over the years to improve his no-till operation. Broadcasting gypsum has emerged as one of his most effective practices, helping to reduce erosion and runoff while also improving nutrient uptake for his corn and soybean crops. This has allowed Curtis to steadily increase his yields, pushing his corn population from 24,500 plants per acre in 1984 to 35,500 in 2017, resulting in a jump from 175 bushels per acre to 272 bushels per acre.
- Ken Curtis began no-tilling his 2,000-acre farm in Prairie City, Illinois in 1985.
- In 1984, Curtis was planting corn at 24,500 plants per acre and soybeans at 180,000 plants per acre.
- By 2017, Curtis had increased his corn population to 35,500 plants per acre and was harvesting 272 bushels per acre.
The players
Ken Curtis
A fourth-generation farmer in Prairie City, Illinois who has been no-tilling about 2,000 acres since 1985.
New Leader
The brand of fertilizer spreader that Curtis uses to broadcast gypsum on his no-till fields.
What they’re saying
“The big thing that gives us an advantage over the rest of the world is our soil. That's our factory. We've got to take care of it.”
— Ken Curtis, Farmer
The takeaway
Ken Curtis' experience shows how strategic use of gypsum can be a valuable tool for no-till farmers looking to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and boost crop yields on their operations. As more growers transition to no-till, finding effective ways to maintain soil structure and fertility will be crucial, and Curtis' approach with gypsum offers a proven model for success.
