Owing to the methane (CH4) produced by rumen fermentation, ruminants are a source of greenhouse gas (GHG) and are perceived as a problem. We propose that with appropriate regenerative crop
Laurence explains his process for planting annual cover crops to improve the soil in a new vegetable garden or annual crop rotation. This video accompanies our cover crops blog and
The increased use of legume–grass mixtures in grazing systems has resulted in the need for more accurate forage estimation techniques for these diverse mixtures. In mixed stands, variations in species
Infrastructure installation (e.g., pipelines) disturbs soils, often resulting in increased soil compaction (bulk density [Bd] and penetration resistance [PR]). The relationship of PR to Bd, gravimetric water content (Θg), and
Growing cover crops is one of the most promising conservation practices with multiple benefits. However, the impacts of cover crops on the productivity of the maize-soybean [Zea mays L. – Glycine max (L.)
Cover crops are the plants which are grown to improve soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, enrichment and protection of soil, and enhance nutrient and water availability, and quality of soil. Cover
Cover crop mixes and plant diversity is critical in farming and ranching management to improve the soil health. Many commercial seed companies sell numerous species that can add plant variety
Environmental impacts on freshwater ecosystems persist due to inputs of excess fertilizer to agricultural landscapes. Conservation efforts, such as cover crops, are being encouraged to reduce nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) runoff from fields,
Reducing runoff sediment and nutrient loss as well as nutrient leaching from croplands is a high priority to mitigate nonpoint-source pollution (NPSP) of water sources, maintain soil fertility, and improve
Laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments were conducted by scientists at the University of Kentucky to determine the potential of different chemicals and plants to dissolve fragipan binding agents. A number
Cover crops (CCs) are considered to deliver multiple soil ecosystem services, but such potential could vary by climatic region. This leads to the question: can CCs improve soil ecosystem services
Dr. Lauren Golden from Boise State University discusses a recent survey of over 900 farmers in the West and how the view and use cover crops on their farms
Matt Yost from Utah State University discusses cover crops and how they contribute to soil organic matter in irrigated systems.
Conservation agricultural systems retain more carbon (C) produced by plants at the soil surface. Estimating C inputs to soil requires both plant biomass production and transformations of plant-produced C into
Soil is one of the dynamic components of terrestrial ecosystems and a critical basis for food security and ecosystem services. Sustainable management practices, based on integration of holistic and novel
Winter wheat is among the most productive and profitable crops grown in rainfed agricultural regions of the world. The mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers in the Pacific Northwest
Grazing lands are complex socio-ecological systems that provide vegetation for livestock consumption and a host of other ecosystem services including clean water, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Grazing managers often adjust
Nutrient runoff in the Mississippi River Basin has caused a hypoxic “dead” zone in the Gulf of Mexico. The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy provides a framework for farmers to
Conservation planning is the primary tool the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) uses to help farmers manage and protect the nation’s soil, water, air, plant, animal, energy, and human
The UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) concluded in September 2021. It was a much-needed global initiative with high expectations of transforming the world food systems and addressing the growing threat