Soil Structure Improves Water Infiltration, Permeability

July 30, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Crescent-News

Why do fields have standing water? The answer lies in poor soil structure due to excess tillage, a lack of active carbon, reduced soil microbial life (beneficial mycorrhizal fungi), and a lack of live roots year-round. Read more in this article from the Crescent-News.

Crop Residue Affects Soil Life Between Growing Seasons

July 22, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: American Society of Agronomy

After harvest in the fall, farmers take the harvested crops to market or store them on their farm. They don't take the whole plant from the field, though. The leftover parts of the plant, like the stalk and leaves from corn, remain in the field. This debris is called crop residue. Read more in this article from Phys.org and the American Society of Agronomy.

Positive Effect of Cover Crops on Soil Microbiome

March 6, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: University of Illinois Extension

Only a fraction of conventional row crop farmers grow cover crops after harvest, but a new global analysis from the University of Illinois shows the practice can boost soil microbial abundance by 27%. The result adds to cover crops’ reputation for nitrogen loss reduction, weed suppression, erosion control, and more.

Soil Pore Structure May be Key to Carbon Storage

August 1, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Michigan State University

Scientists have traditionally believed soil aggregates — clusters of soil particles — were the principal locations for stable carbon storage. Recent research from Michigan State University, however, shows that most stable carbon appears to be the result of microbes producing organic compounds that are then adsorbed onto soil mineral particles.

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Ray McCormick’s Conservation Buffer

Earlier this week we paid another visit to this year’s Conservation Ag Operator Fellow, Ray McCormick in Vincennes, Ind., and one thing about Ray is that even when it’s the “off season,” he’s still thinking ahead for next season.

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