Latest News From Soil Health

Renewable diesel is revving up interest from both agriculture and the oil industry, and now oil and agriculture companies are teaming up to find additional crop sources to fuel the growing demand.

“What we need to do to move carbon past the starting line is to show farmers the scoreboard and tell them exactly what they need to do to earn their points,” said Mitchell Hora.  

Marion Calmer says nutrient stratification in soil is a significant problem on his western Illinois farm — and it’s only getting worse.

Your technology investment will maximize corn yield on every soil type.

It’s a big idea with far-reaching implications for ag retail—the environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework.

Now in its 12th year, the 4R Advocate program demonstrates the in-field successes of implementing 4R practices based on the right source, rate, time, and placement of fertilizer.

If your soil is sick, there are ways to nurse it back to health. How long it takes depends on how unhealthy your soil has become. It’s worth the effort because healthier soil means more water for crops.

Indigo says its program doubled in acres in 2022. 

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.

Urea can be used to replace part of your spring N needs, but there are risks to be aware of and evaluate before you decide to go with it. The same is true for a mono-crop, especially if you choose continuous corn.

Farmers in dry climates are taking a holistic approach to flipping their soil to make it healthier and that includes cover crops.

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.

Ken Ferrie says fields with good soil health can have as much disease present as an unhealthy field, but healthy plants handle stress better than unhealthy ones.

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.

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. 

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.

Learn how to create a groundwork for high yields and profitability.

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.

A good strip starts with the combine.

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.

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.

“Our goal is to be the center of gravity for soil health. This is the beginning of a mega trend of a shift to regenerative ag and a focus on soil health,” says Peter Williams, MyLand CEO.

Farmers commonly focus their attention on conservation planning by thinking through issues that deal with nutrient management or soil health. Water quality considerations dovetail with many of these planning activities.

The organization unveiled a new report on Tuesday, showcasing corn growers' sustainability accomplishments and goals.

Brian Doerr recently introduced regenerative agriculture practices, including cover crops, on his family's Nebraska farm. He details his decision-making and implementation steps here.

The program will be introduced initially to row-crop farmers in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.

As cover crops make their way on to more acres, dealing with that new planting environment brings its own challenges.

The factors are converging to make this coming year a springboard for how agriculture is involved in carbon sequestration and climate policies.

How to navigate carbon’s promise and unknowns.

This summer, farmers will start receiving the first tranche of payments via TruCarbon, the new carbon program launched by Truterra, LLC.

The partners will be able to offer carbon credits on more than 20,000 acres of land.

Registration is open for the upcoming symposium, scheduled for Feb. 23-25.

When farmland draws a premium, you’d expect the soil to be in good shape, right? More landowners are considering fertility clauses in their farm leases to ensure tenants don’t suck the soil dry.