Soil Health - Articles

Improving Photosynthesis

October 18, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Farmers do not often think about how their management practices can influence the rate of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis has always been assumed to be constant, but it is not. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

Why Add Carbon to the Soil?

October 15, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Culpeper Star-Exponent

Carbon sequestration is coming up often in the farm press as we learn about another stream of farm income rising from our land-management practices. Why is adding carbon to the soil worth money to farmers, you might ask? Read more in this article from the Culpeper Star-Exponent (Culpeper, Virginia).

Winter Rye Between Corn and Soybean are Good Cover Crop Strategy

October 13, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: South Dakota State University Extension

With much interest in soil health and crop diversity, interest in cover crops has increased greatly in recent times. Although the 2021 growing season in South Dakota has been impacted by widespread drought and record-high temperatures, especially in June and July, the recent rain events have brought the cover crop thoughts back into producers’ minds. Read more in this article from South Dakota State University Extension.

USDA Launches First Phase of Soil Carbon Monitoring Efforts through CRP Initiative

October 12, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $10 million in a new initiative to sample, measure and monitor soil carbon on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres to better quantify the climate outcomes of the program. The initiative will begin implementation in fall 2021 with three partners who will conduct soil carbon sampling on three categories of CRP practice types: perennial grasses, trees and wetlands.

Control Slugs & Voles

October 11, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Crescent News

Slugs and voles are becoming major problems on some farms. Mowing a cover crop down to 8 inches or planting species that 50% winter kill helps reduce pest populations. Read more in this article from the Crescent News.

Pair Cover Crops with Fertilizer Management

October 6, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Kansas State University Extension

Kansas State University researchers are finding mounting evidence to indicate the importance of pairing cover crops with improved fertilizer management for controlling phosphorus runoff from farm fields. But in something of a surprise discovery, recent research has found that cover crops increase the dissolved phosphorus in runoff, which they say heightens the importance of using best management practices when applying phosphorus fertilizer – especially in areas where soil erosion and sediment loss are not a concern. Read more in this article from Kansas State University Extension.

[Video] Soil Sampling 101

October 4, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

After harvest is a great time to conduct soil sampling. In this video, Fabian Fernandez, Soil Fertility Specialist with University of Minnesota Extension, demonstrates how to correctly take a soil sample from your field.

[Podcast] Every Drop of Water Counts

This week’s podcast, sponsored by NewLeaf Symbiotics, features Anthony Bly, Soils Field Specialist with South Dakota State University.

September 28, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

This week’s podcast, sponsored by NewLeaf Symbiotics, features Anthony Bly, Soils Field Specialist with South Dakota State University. Bly will discuss the interconnecting relationship between water and soil, how cover crops fit into profitable cropping systems, the importance of minimal soil disturbance and more.

[Podcast] Look for Signs of Soil Biology as Winter Approaches

This week’s podcast, sponsored by GS3 Quality Seed, features Jamie Patton, Senior Outreach Specialist, Nutrient & Pest Management, University of Wisconsin. Patton will discuss what soil health going into winter, why growers should invest in soil testing, when to conduct soil testing and more.

September 22, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

This week’s podcast, sponsored by GS3 Quality Seed, features Jamie Patton, Senior Outreach Specialist, Nutrient & Pest Management, University of Wisconsin. Patton will discuss what soil health going into winter, why growers should invest in soil testing, when to conduct soil testing and more.