Nutrient management - Articles

Motivation & Challenges in Adopting Soil Health Practices

February 28, 2022 | Posted in Economics

Source: University of Nebraska Extension

In 2019-20, Nebraska Healthy Soils Task Force (HSTF) conducted a survey to learn about producers' motivation and challenges in cover crop (CC), nutrient and other soil health management practices across the state. A total of 275 people participated in the survey of which 64.0% (n=176) were producers, 4.7% (n = 13) were landowners, 10.9% (n = 30) were crop consultants, 16.4% (n = 45) were from the university, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and state agencies, and other attendees were 4.0% (n = 11). Read more in this article from University of Nebraska Extension.

[Video] Cover Crops Impact Soil Health in Semi-Arid Climates

February 7, 2022 | Posted in Soil Health

In this video, Dr. Clain Jones, Extension Soil Fertility Specialist with the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences at Montana State University, discusses how such agricultural practices such as cropping systems, cover crops, and nutrient management affect soil health in semi-arid climates. Dr. Jones includes soil health parameters, including soil organic matter, pH, enzyme activities, nitrogen availability, and infiltration rates.

[Podcast] Cover Crops Need Planning for Weed Management

This week’s podcast, sponsored by NewLeaf Symbiotics, features Dan Smith, Southwest Regional Specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Smith will discuss the ideal seeding rate for cover crops when used for weed suppression, which cover crop species are better at weed suppression, how long covers should grow to be effective at weed suppression, and more.

December 27, 2021 | Posted in Seeding Practices

This week’s podcast, sponsored by NewLeaf Symbiotics, features Dan Smith, Southwest Regional Specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Smith will discuss the ideal seeding rate for cover crops when used for weed suppression, which cover crop species are better at weed suppression, how long covers should grow to be effective at weed suppression, and more.

[Podcast] Proper Soil pH an Important Factor for Crop Growth

This week’s podcast, sponsored by NewLeaf Symbiotics, features Daniel Kaiser, Nutrient Management Specialist, University of Minnesota Extension. Kaiser will discuss soil pH values for both corn and soybeans, the range of pH values for optimum crop performance, how growers can adjust their soil pH, and more.

December 1, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

This week’s podcast, sponsored by NewLeaf Symbiotics, features Daniel Kaiser, Nutrient Management Specialist, University of Minnesota Extension. Kaiser will discuss soil pH values for both corn and soybeans, the range of pH values for optimum crop performance, how growers can adjust their soil pH, and more.

[Video] Carbon Sequestration 101

March 23, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Organic matter gives soil structure, allowing it to better drain and hold nutrients. Carbon left in the soil becomes a permanent part of the soil, which is released from the soil upon cultivation. Find out how to build soil organic matter and how to sequester more carbon in the soil in this video from Utah State University.

It’s Not too Late to Nominate a Grower for Nutrient Management Excellence

By Sarah Hill posted on October 21, 2019

Managing nutrients in the soil or eliminating waste to keep soils and waterways healthy is not just the right thing to do; it also helps build the soil so it can be healthier. Do you know a no-tiller or strip-tiller who does a great job with nutrient management in their operation?

Nutrient Application & Cover Crops Go Hand in Hand

August 19, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

Thinking about applying manure soon on fields where short-season crops like sweet corn or peas have already come off or will be harvested in the next few weeks? Consider planting a cover crop to hold the nutrients in place this fall and next spring, according to this article from University of Minnesota Extension.

Farmers Adopting Soil Health Strategies

August 2, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Fort Wayne Business Weekly

Healthy soil can be achieved through no-till, nutrient management, pest management and cover crops, says Derek Thompson, district conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in this article from the Fort Wayne Business Weekly.

[Podcast] Understanding Allelopathy with Cereal Rye When Planting Corn

Many growers avoid planting corn into fields where cereal rye has been seeded over fears that allelopathic issues from decomposing rye will stunt corn growth and ding yields. But Steve Groff believes allelopathy is often misdiagnosed and yellow corn could be related to other management issues.

April 23, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Termination

Many growers avoid planting corn into fields where cereal rye has been seeded over fears that allelopathic issues from decomposing rye will stunt corn growth and ding yields. But Steve Groff believes allelopathy is often misdiagnosed and yellow corn could be related to other management issues. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

2019 National No-Tillage Conference

[Video] Making Your Cover Crops Pay Off — Every Day of the Year

February 7, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Cover crops have the potential to do many things for no-tillers, one of the most important being improved nutrient cycling in no-tilled soils that can lead to input savings and a healthier bottom line. But many no-tillers are spending $25-$30 an acre on covers and still spending too much on fertilizer due to poor nutrient management, says David Brandt.