ATTRA

DECEMBER 26, 2023

He would let the cover crop grow and overwinter and then plow down the following spring for green manure. With this system, he has reduced erosion while still providing the soil-building benefits of covers, though the biomass produced by the clover didn’t provide as much biomass as other common winter cover crops like rye or peas.

Crop 79

Crop Plowing Manure Farming 79

Cropaia

DECEMBER 19, 2023

This means increased crop yields and reduced inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Healthy soil can absorb and retain water more effectively, helping crops withstand droughts and floods. Healthy soil can absorb and retain water more effectively, helping crops withstand droughts and floods.

Agriculture 97

Agriculture Agriculture Farming Farming 97

UnderstandingAg

MAY 3, 2024

High-salt fertilizers add insult to injury by inhibiting soil biology and creating osmotic stress in plants. Fall application of nutrients for a cash crop the following year makes no sense from a plant nutrition standpoint. Living ground cover is especially critical on acres receiving manure from confinement operations.

Pesticide 82

Pesticide Crop Manure Fertilizer 82

ATTRA

JANUARY 2, 2024

By Chris Lent, NCAT Agriculture Specialist When I began to see how unique the growing conditions in my high tunnel are compared to open-field growing, I started to think differently about how to maintain soil health and manage soil fertility for high tunnel growing and season extension. These strategies start with soil testing.

Compost 52

Compost Fertilizer Crop Cash Crop 52

Civil Eats

FEBRUARY 27, 2024

It works as both a cover crop and forage for the cattle, and it’s helping Bedtka build up organic matter in his soil. Corn requires lots of nitrogen, and it’s by far the most commonly used fertilizer in the United States. Southeastern Minnesota’s Olmsted County is a microcosm of agriculture’s dependence on nitrogen fertilizer.

Crop 131

Crop Farming Farming Acre 131

Farmbrite

AUGUST 23, 2023

Healthy soil can mean increased yields (and profits) as well as fewer inputs like fertilizer or pesticides. One common method is the traditional or sequential crop rotation, where different crops are grown in a planned sequence over a period of years. Soil health is a holistic measure of soil function.

Crop Rotation 52

Crop Rotation Farming Farming Fertilizer 52

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

JULY 14, 2023

Prairie strips or other noncrop strips along fields also offer refugia for beneficial species or, depending on species used, can act as trap crops that lure pests away from a cash crop. Rotating crops also significantly reduces pests and diseases.

Agriculture 98

Agriculture Agriculture Crop Rotation Pasture 98