soil testing

How Private Labs can Add Value for Cover Crops

July 28, 2022

The soil carbon market is based largely on theoretical carbon offsets derived from complex algorithms, and in some cases artificial intelligence. While the mathematics that go into predicting these offsets is undoubtedly impressive, the predictions will invariably require ground-truthing.

Time for Soil Testing

December 1, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Frederick News Post (Frederick, MD)

Fall is an excellent time to take soil tests since the summer crops are off and the cover crops are small enough to still walk through the fields. Soil tests have an important role in determining your soil fertility program. Read more in this article from the Frederick News Post.

[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.

Understanding the Haney Soil Test

November 2, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: KMA Radio

The Haney soil health test, named for U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist Rick Haney, includes more than a dozen different soil-test values. Those include standard macro- and micro-nutrients for plant consumption, but what’s different about the Haney test is that it also estimates nutrients for microbial consumption, focusing on how much carbon and nitrogen is in the soil. Read more in this article from KMA.

Potassium Levels in Soil Decreasing

June 29, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Rock Island Dispatch-Argus

Nationwide, there has been a major trend in soil test results — a drop in potassium. Andy Wycislo, an agronomist who works with Waypoint Analytical, said there is no identified root cause for why potassium levels are dropping over the last few years, and while some other nutrients have seen decreases over the past couple of years, this one stands out. Read more in this article from the Rock Island Argus Dispatch.

Are You Familiar with the Haney Soil Test?

June 17, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

The Haney soil health test, named for USDA scientist Rick Haney, includes more than a dozen different soil test values. These include standard macro- and micro-nutrients for plant consumption, but what’s different about the Haney test is that it also estimates nutrients for microbial consumption, focusing on how much carbon (C ) and nitrogen (N) is in the soil. Read more in this article from University of Minnesota Extension.

[Podcast] Cover Crops Can Heal the Soil

Soils plagued with compaction, aggregation and/or poor water infiltration don’t have to be that way forever. Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff explains how cover crops can help to improve the soil through a process including evaluation, soil testing and strategic planning for that soil. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

November 13, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Soils plagued with compaction, aggregation and/or poor water infiltration don’t have to be that way forever. Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff explains how cover crops can help to improve the soil through a process including evaluation, soil testing and strategic planning for that soil. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

Cultivating a No-Till ‘State of Mind’

Measured fertilizer applications, copious amounts of residue and dogged determination have all helped Leon Sowers improve the diversity and viability of his Kansas operation.

By John Dobberstein posted on August 19, 2017 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Measured fertilizer applications, copious amounts of residue and dogged determination have all helped Leon Sowers improve the diversity and viability of his Kansas operation.

Relying On Soil Tests, Covers Make Fertility More Efficient

The 9th class of Responsible Nutrient Management Practitioners has seen reduced fertilizer inputs and higher yields by monitoring the soil and using cover crops to hold nutrients in place.

February 11, 2017 | Posted in Soil Health

Honored for how they manage their fertility practices, Jason Carter of Eastover, S.C., Mike Werling of Decatur, Ind., and Mike Taylor of Helena, Ark., were recognized as the 9th annual class of Responsible Nutrient Management Practitioners at the 2017 National No-Tillage Conference in St. Louis.