There is a lot of buzz in beef and forage production systems around the concepts of sustainability and soil health and the numerous different production practices that can support those ideas. Intercropping is one strategy that may help achieve producers' goals. Read more in this article from The Cattle Site.
Soil health can be hard to understand if you do not know the “lingo” or terminology. Here’s a short primer on soil health terms. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.
Ohio State University Extension discusses need to check for the presence of Palmer amaranth seed in seeds used for conservation plantings, such as cover crops, CRP, wildlife and pollinator seedings.
A pilot explains how a no-tiller’s choice in applicator, cover crop species, rate and timing play important roles in achieving a strong, uniform stand.
An experienced ag pilot says flying on covers in northern climates too early can starve the seeds for sunlight or leave them prey to slugs and earthworms.
Concerns about the state of the Island's soil, and its impact on the agriculture industry, prompted the province to begin monitoring organic matter levels in soil in 1998. The study included 600 sites, with samples being taken, analyzed and recorded about once every three years. Read more in this article from the CBC.
Skeptics of soil health abound in agriculture. After World War II, farmers became reliant on inorganic fertilizer to improve crop yields. Read more in this article from the Crescent-News (Defiance, OH).
Bio-stimulants include both bacterial and fungal inoculants, various types of compost, and organic adjuvants that stimulate plant growth and improve yield. Farmers have been using bacteria inoculants containing Rhizobia bacteria on legumes and clovers like soybeans, alfalfa, and red clover for many years. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.
There are a variety of agricultural research trials in Ontario, but one that stands out from the rest is the long-term cover crop trial set up by Dr. Laura Van Eerd in Ridgetown, Ontario. This trial was established in 2007 and has had consistent cover crop treatments within a processing vegetable-grain crop rotation on the same plot since then.
The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 7-10, 2025!Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 33rd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Louisville, Ky. Jan. 7-10, 2025. Experience an energizing 4-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led No-Till Classrooms and collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.
Last week we had boots on the ground at the Big Soil Health Event in Cedar Falls, Iowa where agronomist David Kleinschmidt emphasized the importance of considering Carbon to Nitrogen ratios of cover crops and residues.