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AP Photo OHSP201, OHSP204, OHSP205, OHSP203 ANNA, Ohio (AP) Some farmers are using radishes to soften up and nourish their fields for spring planting.

Tillage radishes bore holes into the ground with roots that can grow several feet deep. They also capture and release nutrients back into the soil, and that can reduce the need for fertilizer in the spring.

Tony Luthman (LOOTH'-man) is trying it on his farm near Anna in western Ohio where some of the ground is tight clay.

Researchers recently identified radishes as a good way prepare soil for planting, as their main roots are larger than the roots of some other fall cover crops.

But experts also say the radishes cost more than most other cover crops, have a short planting season and can release some of the nutrients before spring crops would benefit.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-18-09 0201CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list