Soil Health
Cover crops sequestered nearly three times as much greenhouse gas as the check fields. And acres with cover crops were carbon negative
Make sure each acre earns its spot on your farm roster.
Matt Brincks’ average yields have climbed 30 bushels in corn and 12 bushels in soybeans, while his nitrogen fertilizer use has dipped by half, along with a two-thirds drop in phosphorus and potassium.
Farmers in dry climates are taking a holistic approach to flipping their soil to make it healthier and that includes cover crops.
In a moisture deficit area like southwest Nebraska conservation and regenerative practices have long been a staple for farmers. That’s important especially in drought years like 2022.
Five ST series strip-till models are available in a variety of shanks, coulters and row spacings and TruSet Active offers enhanced depth control for tillage
Three key findings from the report include: Farmers are aware of carbon markets but not ready to engage; Producers want credit for existing practices; Data capture, management and validation is fragmented.
If you are adding a new farm for next season, take a hard look at soil health. Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Field Agronomist, says start with the canvas rather than the paint.
For farmers trying to Flip their Soil and improve soil health one simple thing they can do this fall is plant cereal rye as a cover crop and plant soybeans into that stand.
Mitchell Hora, agronomist and CEO of Continuum Ag, advises farmers to implement soil health practices within the context of each field, which includes working with local experts and doing research.
The USRCF started in 2021 working with farmers in Texas, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi. It has farmer-to-farmer education markets bringing together more than 100 cotton farmers.
This past year, prevent plant acres soared to a new record of 20 million. What that number fails to account for are the acres that did get planted but maybe shouldn’t have, and what field conditions mean for 2020.
A good strip starts with the combine.
Widening the Funnel: Land O’Lakes Evolves Approach And, Removes Some Risk For Regenerative Practices
Land O’Lakes is aiming to straighten the path for more farmers to adopt more regenerative practices across their acres, and in doing so building a wider funnel of farmers who could enroll in carbon markets.
A dust storm rippled through the Midwest late last week, followed by rain in some parts and continued heat in others. This weather event highlights soil safeguarding needs, according to Conservation Agronomist Roberts.
“This flawed system isn’t due to rains or weather. Unless we have remedial practices and advocate for cover crops, buffer strips and diversity, we can’t solve the problem,” says Former USDA Soil Scientist Thicke.
Adam Jones, a conservation agronomist at MFA Inc., came on The Scoop podcast to share how he helps farmers implement an entire system of soil health, conservation, and yield success on their farms.
In April, Truterra announced a springboard for its focus in soil health. A network of agronomists will facilitate implementation of agronomic practices alongside its retail agronomists and their farmer customers.
The invasive, jumping worm makes its way through 14 states in the Midwest, disturbing native soil and plant species and causing an infestation with only one worm.
When we think of carbon credits, we often think of renewable energy markets like wind, solar and electric vehicles. Hemp is proven to absorb more CO2 per acre than any forest or commercial crop.
As harvest wraps up preparations for next season, and the drive to Win the Furrow, are already underway. Fall strip-till is happening and getting it done right is important for stand counts and yields next season.
As you evaluate input options for next spring, here are five steps to size up whether a biological might be a good fit for your farm.
A USDA-National Resources Inventory report shows soil erosion rates on cropland decreased 35% from 1982 to 2017. Even so, some members of the agricultural community say rates are unsustainable for crop production.
Don’t get caught leasing ground with poor soil pH and too-low nutrient levels.
Sanborn Field is rooted in deep history. Started in 1888, it’s a historic landmark that’s far from a history museum as the research continues to reveal the keys to improving soil health.
When he came back to the farm 11 years ago, Brian Scott was determined to protect his family legacy, while still trying new practices. Today, he and his father farm about 2,500 acres of diverse crops in Monticello, Ind.
When life gives you lemons, water them carefully. At least, that’s what avocado and lemon tree grower Angela Vanoni does. A native of Ventura County, California, she’s no stranger to drought and strict rules.
The right timing of nitrogen aplications are important, but K-State’s Chuck Rice is digging deeper to learn how to reduce nitrogen losses by 50%, an impact that’s both economically and environmentally sound.
The path to soil health profit has opened wider than ever before, expanded by the carrot of carbon, and aggressive growers may have means to benefit from multiple markets.
“There’s real science around soil health, and this is a way retailers can have meaningful impact without directly selling anything,” says Dr. Jennifer Wells, Senior Agronomist and Account Manager at Truterra.