Improve soil health - Articles

Getting Over Barriers to Planting Covers

March 24, 2021 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: Auburn Pub

Cover crops are grown for the protection and enrichment of the soil, and are one of several management practices that farmers use to improve soil health, but noted there were some potential barriers to their adoption. While costs are a concern, there are other challenges to their continued widespread adoption. Read more in this article from Auburn Pub.

[Video] Revitalizing Soil Health with Cover Crops

January 27, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Aaron Lehman, a fifth-generation Iowa farmer, started planting cover crops a little over a 12 years ago—and hasn’t looked back. Cover crops have helped Lehman improve soil health through increased soil organic matter as he transitioned to organic farming.

Cold Doesn't Always Kill Covers Over the Winter

December 28, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Hay & Forage Grower

By definition, cover crops are planted to protect the soil and contribute to improved soil health. However, often these annual forages are also grazed or harvested as livestock feed in the spring or early summer in an effort to make them more cost effective. Read more in this story from Hay & Forage Grower.

Cover Crops Can Influence Pest Populations

By Sarah Hill posted on December 21, 2020

Cover crops have numerous benefits, which we’ve discussed at length in this blog—everything from improving soil health, increasing water infiltration, suppressing weeds, and more. One under-utilized benefit of covers is how cover crops can be used for pest management.

Suppressing Pests in Healthy Soils

December 18, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Ohio's Country Journal

Farmers who improve soil health increase the amount of soil carbon being stored, and recycled. The increased carbon flow increases microbial numbers and efficiency leading to improved plant photosynthesis. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

4 Out of 5 Growers Planting Fall Covers to Improve Soil Health

By Sarah Hill posted on October 15, 2020

Farmers are feeling optimistic about the future, and many are planning to include cover crops in that bright future, according to information recently published by the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.

Soil Health: More Than Cover Crops

October 14, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Dodge City Daily Globe

If you pick up just about any farm publication there are typically several articles that talk about soil health. Many times, these articles talk about adding cover crops and livestock into cropping systems to improve the soil. Read more in this article from the Dodge City Daily Globe (Dodge City, KS).

Adding Winter Wheat to a Crop Rotation

October 9, 2020 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: University of Nebraska Extension

As many farmers are getting ready to begin harvest, farmers who grow winter wheat are preparing to plant. There are many reasons why growers have been planting winter wheat in eastern Nebraska. Read more in this article from University of Nebraska Extension.

Less Erosion Means Healthier Soil

August 26, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Globe Gazette (Mason City, IA)

Let’s take a closer look at how improving soil health on our farmland acres can have a dramatic effect on reducing soil erosion and rainfall runoff that result in downstream flooding and property damage. During the past few years, as a result of climate change, rainfall totals have increased in north-central Iowa. Read more in this article from the Globe Gazette (Mason City, IA).

Renting Farmers Less Likely to Use Soil Health Practices

May 13, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Indiana Public Media

Almost half of all Indiana farmland isn’t owned by the farmer who works it — it’s rented out. In the same way people who rent apartments are unlikely to invest in them, studies show farmers who rent land are less likely to do conservation practices. Read more in this story from Indiana Public Media.