Soil health

Impact of Surfactants on Water Conservation, Soil Health

February 14, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

The surfactants being used are chemically very similar to dishwashing soap and are listed in the same chemical group. But dishwashing soap is known to be toxic to plants, therefore chemical surfactants have been modified to be used frequently without the detrimental impact on grass. Find out more in this article from the Las Cruces Sun News (Las Cruces, NM).

Vegetable Growers Also Need to Focus on Soil Health

February 10, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Growing Produce

The importance of soil health and its role in the future of sustainable agriculture has been a topic of much discussion. While specialty crop growers understand the importance of healthy soils, much of the research on the topic has been dedicated to row crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton. But that’s changing, and more emphasis is being placed on soil health in fruit and vegetable production. Read more in this article from Growing Produce.

Utah Farmers Try Cover Crops

February 10, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: The Journal

Planting cover crops instead of fallowing fields may boost soil health, but farmers shouldn’t expect their efforts to work immediately. Cover crops also increase costs. That was the takeaway from a workshop presented by the Southwestern Colorado Research Center and attended by more than 60 farmers and ranchers Monday in Dove Creek, Utah, at the Public Service Center. Read more about farmers' experiences in this article from The Journal (Cortez, CO).

Where to Start with Cover Crops

January 16, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Miami County Republic

You have read all the articles on soil health and you know how important it is. You have decided you want to try and plant cover crops, but where do you go to get started?

Find Your Cover Crop ‘Coach’

By Sarah Hill posted on January 16, 2020

Farming is no different than sports, especially when implementing a new practice like cover planting crops. Out of the many growers I’ve talked to, those who have achieved success have a mentor, or multiple mentors to show them the ropes and get them moving in the right direction.

[Video] Improving Soil Through Cover Crops

December 30, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Grain farmer Jeff Frey has used no-till on his 700-acre farm in Willow Street, Penn., since the 1980s. Despite these efforts, Frey knew he needed to do more to protect his soil from erosion.

[Video] No-Till Planting Into Rye

December 23, 2019 | Posted in Termination

If you are planning to plant into a rye cover crop, it's best to wait to do so until 10 days after spraying the cover crop, according to Kevin Shelley with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nutrient & Pest Management Program.

Don’t Miss the Opportunities Offered by Covers

By Sarah Hill posted on December 23, 2019

What other opportunities do we miss in the agriculture industry, and in life, because on the surface, they may not look like they are worth taking? Cover crops are a perfect example.

More Minnesota Farmers Planting Cover Crops

December 17, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

When the earthworms started coming back, Tim Little knew he was doing something right. Little, who farms north of Faribault, Minnesota, saw more worms in his fields, gathering piles of dead plants above their holes, after he made a drastic departure from farming tradition.

[Video] Cover Crops After Corn Silage

December 10, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

In this video, find out what to look for when conducting evaluations in the field to compare soil that has a cover crop to soil without covers, including soil architecture and earthworm populations. Also, learn how to conduct a simple soil "pop" test.