Matt Grosshans was tired of seeing his strip-tilled fields washed out with heavy spring rains. As extreme weather patterns started impacting his operation, the Hamilton County, Neb., farmer realized reduced tillage, cover crops and crop rotations were vital to maintaining his soil. 

Building soil health is a long-term endeavor, but one with lasting impacts. There are many practices that yield great short-term benefits. But if it’s not good for the soil, it won’t be good for the farming enterprise in the long run.

A Penn State-led team of researchers suggests that the best pest management outcomes may occur when growers encourage biological control — in the form of pests' natural enemies — by planting cover crops and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides as much as possible.

Experts advise farmers considering carbon contracts to start with their worst, sandiest and lowest organic matter field because even if the carbon markets don't pay out, the field will show other benefits in crop yield and water management.