Soil health - Articles

7 In-Field Assessments to Determine Soil Health

Indiana USDA NRCS state soil health scientist Stephanie McLain shares indicators to look for in the soil to evaluate how well your soil functions

By Sarah Hill posted on November 5, 2024 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming 101, Soil Health

USDA NRCS State Soil Health Specialist Stephanie McLain outlines 7 soil assessments or diagnostics that can be conducted in the field to determine how healthy soil is and if farmers need to re-activate soil function.

Strip-Till 101: Building Blocks for a Successful System

November 2, 2024 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming 101, Equipment

Source: Iowa State University Extension

Ben Covington, test engineer at Iowa State University, gives a 20-minute crash course on what to consider when getting started with strip-till, including equipment, herbicide plans, fall vs. spring strip-till, residue management and more.

Sponsored Content: Building Healthier Soil and Profits with Strip-Till

Is Strip-Till Right for Your Farm?

November 1, 2024 | Posted in Soil Health, Water Management

Find out what production practices and field conditions are most suitable for strip-till. The Building Healthier Soil and Profits with Strip-Till series is brought to you by Environmental Tillage Systems.

Iowa Learning Farms Hosting Strip-Till, Cover Crops & Intercropping Field Day

October 31, 2024 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming 101, Seeding & Planting

Host Jay Lynch began adopting a no-till/strip-till system about 15 years ago on his family’s Century Farm and has discovered that the key to higher yield potential, enhanced soil tilth, and effective conservation revolves around soil health.

Potato Farmers Weigh Benefits of Strip-Till

By Lukie Pieterse posted on October 30, 2024 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming 101

Source: Potato News Today

As the agricultural sector moves towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, reduced tillage in potato production represents a promising shift that could redefine the industry’s landscape.

Long-Term Studies Indicate ‘The More the Merrier’ in Crop Rotations

Studies spanning 60-years of data show farms are more resilient to the vagaries of markets, policy meddling and weather with more diverse crop rotations.

By Dan Crummett posted on October 27, 2024 | Posted in Soil Health

A recent report from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service has some interesting insights on the benefits of crop rotations, but researchers caution the “long view” is needed to fully capitalize on such improvements.

How Dry Soil Affects Anhydrous Ammonia Applications

By Dorivar Ruiz Diaz posted on October 26, 2024 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Source: Kansas State Extension

If anhydrous ammonia is to be applied in the fall, several factors must be considered, including soil texture, temperature, and soil moisture. Consider the following guidelines.

Local Regulations Boosting Strip-Till Popularity

Buffalo, Minn., co-op notices uptick in strip-till adoption

By Noah Newman posted on October 18, 2024 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming 101, Equipment

Nate Hood, technology supervisor for Centra Sota Cooperative in central Minnesota, says local regulations are boosting strip-till popularity in his neck of the woods.

Thinking About Reducing Tillage in the Spring? Start Preparing in the Fall

October 15, 2024 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Michigan State University

Reducing tillage has been one of the most common recommendations made to improve soil health over time and reduce erosion risk. However, this broad-brush suggestion is no easy feat.