Organic matter - Articles

Long-Term Ontario Studies Showing Value of Cover Crops

Boosting organic matter in soils proved to boost profit margins and reduce yield variation year to year

By Geralyn Wichers posted on May 26, 2023 | Posted in Investing in Regenerative Ag

A series of long-term studies in southern Ontario are showing the value of cover crops and boosting soil organic matter.

This Week

Cover Crop Strategies' Best of the Web: Jan. 20, 2023

January 20, 2023

Cover Crop Strategies editors encounter a variety of articles, social media posts, podcasts and videos that offer a unique look at various aspects of our great agricultural industry. Here is our favorite content from the past week. The Best of the Web This Week series is brought to you by Salford Group.

[Video] Starting Out with Cover Crops in Cotton

August 11, 2022 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health

In this video, hear from three coastal plain cotton producers as they share their stories and experiences to improve the health and productivity of their farms. Adding cover crops to a cropping system can increase organic matter, control problem weeds, and help reduce moisture evaporation. But how do you get started?

Best Approach for Opportunities in the Carbon Market

July 5, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: The Hays Daily News

There has been a lot of buzz concerning the carbon credit market. While carbon is essential for all life, there is a balance between where the carbon is located and stored within the earth, oceans, and atmosphere. Read more in this article from The Hays Daily News (Hays, KS).

Soil Health, Cover Crops Can Improve Asparagus Crop

May 5, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Lancaster Farming

Longevity is a hallmark with an asparagus crop, and once the plants are in the soil they can keep producing for 20 years or more. Preparing for the perennial crop to remain productive for such a long stretch is imperative, and it all begins with increasing the organic matter in soil before the asparagus roots take hold. Read more in this article from Lancaster Farming.

Questions to Ask About Carbon Markets

April 19, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

There has been a lot of buzz concerning the carbon credit market. This article from University of Minnesota Extension discusses the importance of carbon and carbon markets, what they can offer producers in the Upper Midwest and what questions you should consider when investigating carbon credits.

[Video] Carbon Sequestration 101

March 23, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Organic matter gives soil structure, allowing it to better drain and hold nutrients. Carbon left in the soil becomes a permanent part of the soil, which is released from the soil upon cultivation. Find out how to build soil organic matter and how to sequester more carbon in the soil in this video from Utah State University.

Soil Health Defined

September 9, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Ohio's Country Journal

Soil health is a term that everyone seems to be confused about or have their own opinion. Soil health is about three things: soil organic matter (SOM), soil microbes and organisms, and plants. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

Illinois Farmer Gives Advice on Planting Green

May 20, 2020 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: Go Seed

While it’s not a new concept, an increasingly popular practice is to plant cash crops directly into living cover crops. The science behind it is sound – allowing producers to push the benefits of their cover crops to the max and take advantage of things like added organic matter and nutrient release.

Cover Crops an Important Soil Amendment

May 18, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Organic Farmer

By definition, anything that was or is alive is considered organic matter because it contains carbon-based compounds. This article covers some of the considerations around using organic soil amendments. The most common types of soil organic amendments are manure, compost, and crop residue (including cover crops). Read more in this article from Organic Farmer.