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.)
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,
Studies suggest that coincidental adoption of both herbicide-resistant genetically modified crops (GMC) and conservation management may be mutually complementary, but integrated conservation systems with GMCs need to be assessed to
Best management practices that reduce potential phosphorus (P) loss and provide flexibility in P fertilizer management are needed to help producers protect water quality while maintaining crop yield. This study examined the
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
To meet the requirements of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, there is a critical need for crop production strategies with less reliance on irrigation from surface and groundwater sources. One
Matt Yost from Utah State University discusses cover crops and how they contribute to soil organic matter in irrigated systems.
Winter Wheat is the predominant crop grown in the Central Great Plains. It is commonly grown either in a 2-yr rotation of winter wheat–fallow (W-F) or 3-yr rotation of winter
Growing a cover crop with an appropriate amount of water use during long fallow periods between grain crops in a winter wheat–sorghum– fallow (WSF) system could increase productivity, profitability, resource
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
Agricultural nonpoint source pollution has been identified as a major cause of water quality impairments in the United States. Increased fertilizer use, while contributing to increased productivity, leads to pollution
A long fallow period in a winter wheat–fallow rotation (W-F) cropping system is meant to store soil water for the following crop, but loss of soil quality, low precipitation use-efficiency,
Cover crops can provide many benefits, but producers might be reluctant to adopt them if they perceive an increased risk of water stress for the cash crop. Therefore, to increase
The earlier over crops (CCs) are planted, the higher the probability of greater biomass accumulation in the fall, owing to a greater growing degree day accumulation. This is also true
Suitable cover crop species and reliable establishment methods need to be assessed to identify viable cover cropping strategies that provide environmental benefits while maintaining productivity in corn-soybean rotations. Successful establishment
Research has shown that unrestricted grazing of croplands can have detrimental effects on soil health, but it is suggested that moderate grazing of cover crops (CC) may increase the beneficial
Crop residue management can affect soil water dynamics. The retention of plant residues on the soil surface helps conserve soil water, maintain soil fertility, and provide other ecosystem services. Evidence