In many nitrogen-fixing bacteria, a protein called RirA plays a key role in regulating iron by sensing high levels of the metal and shutting down the production of proteins that bring in more iron. RirA contains a cluster of four iron and four sulfur atoms, which acts as a sensor for iron availability. But until now, exactly how this cluster structure detects iron levels in a cell was unclear, says the University of East Anglia.

In case you missed them, here are the items that have garnered the most interest from farmers in the month of August.

Up until last week, dicamba-related complaints in Illinois were minimal for 2019. A recent uptick in complaints, however, dashed any hope that off-target issues would be less this year than during the previous two growing seasons, according to the University of Illinois.

Growers asked for a comprehensive micronutrient package. AgroLiquid delivers with 10 nutrients in one product.

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.

Evidence of the economic benefits of healthy soil will help farmers embrace conservation on more land, sooner.

Most information on cover crops in books and even from some farmer speakers indicates low carbon-to-nitrogen ratios mean nitrogen will be released to the cover crop. But some research North Dakota State University Extension is finding otherwise.

The Soil Health Institute released its comprehensive strategy for enhancing soil health at the 4th annual meeting of the Soil Health Institute in Sacramento, Calif.

Data pulled from new sensor technology shows soil health practices in Iowa, Illinois and Indiana moving in the right direction, says the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC). Other states will come online soon.