Soil Health

Brazilian researchers have developed an index that can measure the health of mangrove soils at different stages. When applied to degraded, restored, and preserved areas, the index revealed that healthy mangroves, including recovered ones, provide ecosystem services at nearly maximum capacity. In contrast, deforested mangroves have only a small fraction of this potential.

Under the microscope, you can find that the soil is truly alive. Jim Ristau was giving attendees at the South Dakota Specialty Producers Summit a look through the lens.

A revolutionary new tool developed by Brazilian researchers is reshaping the way scientists and environmental managers assess the health of mangrove soils across different stages of ecosystem development. This innovative Soil Health Index (SHI) quantifies soil vitality, providing an intuitive scale from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates the poorest soil health and 1 represents […]

Renowned soil scientist Dr. Nanthi Bolan will lead an illuminating webinar on March 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM Beijing time, convening experts from around the globe to dissect the complex interplay between soil health enhancement and carbon sequestration through organic carbon amendments. This event, part of the 22nd Carbon Research International Forum, is set to […]

New program backs MyLand’s soil health solution with a performance warranty for growers. The post MyLand Launches Warranty Program Guaranteeing Grower ROI from its Soil Health Service appeared first on CropLife.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As American Farmland Trust’s New York Agricultural Specialist, Aaron Ristow gained a lot of respect for the farmers he has worked with as part of AFT’s New York Demonstration Farm Network in the Genesee River Watershed. He talked to Hudson River Flows about what these farmers face as they adopt innovative soil health […] The post Agricultural Specialist Aaron Ristow on the Challenges of Conventional Farmers in Transition to SOIL HEALTH Practices appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

The two-day Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit hosted by the Sustainable Farming Association will feature experts and farmers discussing soil, livestock, thriving ecosystems and rural communities.

The two-day Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit hosted by the Sustainable Farming Association will feature experts and farmers discussing soil, livestock, thriving ecosystems and rural communities.

Healthy soils drive resilience and profits, as biologicals and NUE innovations boost nutrient efficiency and long-term sustainability. The post From the Ground Up: Why Soil Health — and the Innovations That Support It — Matter More Than Ever appeared first on CropLife.

ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University’s Soil Health Program will offer the Advanced Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture International Certificate Course from March 10 through April 28, 2026. The eight-week course will be held virtually and is designed for agricultural practitioners, educators, advisors and students seeking advanced, science-based training in soil health and regenerative agriculture. The […] The post Advanced Soil Health Course Offered by Cornell appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

A graduate student at the University of Illinois says ongoing research shows utilizing a cereal rye cover crop to supplement cattle feeding is paying off. Grady Gullickson says grazing appears to offer the biggest benefits. “The forage quality was great.”  He says, “I mean, it was 20% protein, mid-70s for TDNs (Total Digestible Nutrients), so […] The post Grazing cereal rye covers can boost cattle nutrition and soil health appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

Some cattle producers are increasing profits by focusing on soil health. Ted Krauskopf custom grazes cattle on a few hundred acres in Madison County, Illinois. “I actually think of it the opposite of a lot of beef producers, whereas I’m using the livestock to manage the forage versus just using the forage to feed the […] The post Soil health practices benefitting beef producers appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

A global seed potato producer says he’s the third generation to keep water conservation at the forefront of the family’s operation. Ben Sklarczyk tells Brownfield the Sklarczyk Seed Farm borders the headwaters of a Blue-Ribbon trout stream in Northern Michigan. “We look at things and control drainage and water use through our greenhouse operation, we then […] The post Nature Conservancy names Sklarczyk Seed Farm Soil Health Hero for innovative practices appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State researchers invite farmers to participate in a study on decision-making for Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) and Soil Steaming Disinfection (SSD), particularly in high-tunnel systems. The goal is to better understand how farmers evaluate and decide whether to adopt soil health and disease management practices, so that future Extension programs […] The post Farmers Invited to Participate in Soil Health Research appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

With insect farming projected to produce millions of tons of insects in the coming years, Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station researchers offer evidence that the insect farming byproduct called "frass" can improve soil health and reduce insect damage in soybean crops.

The Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program will incentivize farmers to plant perennial grass on marginally productive cropland, to improve soil health while creating wildlife habitat.

ONLINE — In February 2026, SoilCon returns with a series of engaging events to advance soil health practices and knowledge. Over the past five years, SoilCon has been an incredible free resource for agricultural professionals to learn science-based soil health information, and this year promises to deliver even more valuable insights. SoilCon26 includes a global […] The post Washington Soil Health Initiative SoilCon 2026 appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

When considering if soil conservation is worth the cost, think about what your time and soil is really worth. An economist shares research on what soil practices pay off.

How Humates Are Helping Farmers Improve Efficiency in a Changing Regulatory Landscape As soil health, water efficiency, and input costs continue to dominate conversations across agriculture, Russell Taylor of Live ... Read More The post Soil Health, Water, and the Future of Farming With Live Earth appeared first on AgNet West.

The county’s program, entering its fourth year, is set to regionalize to 11 southeast Minnesota counties that can offer similar support.

Avoid pasture damage this winter. Noble SWCD’s Kirstin Roman explains how unrolling bales and strip-grazing can boost soil organic matter and animal health. The post What can you do to improve soil health during winter feeding? appeared first on Farm and Dairy.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) has launched the next round of the Soil Health Implementation Program (SHIP), an ongoing initiative to improve soil health across Oklahoma‘s agricultural landscapes. SHIP aims to provide comprehensive soil conservation solutions in both rural and urban areas. Now in its second program year, OCC’s Soil Health Team is […] The post Commission Launches Next Round of Soil Health Implementation Program (SHIP) appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

VOORHEESVILLE, N.Y. — Weeds and Soil Health:  Ways to Address Invasive Weeds Without Sacrificing Soil Health will take place Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at CCE Albany County, 24 Martin Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186. Cost is $15.00. Speaker: Erik Smith, Field Crops Specialist Panelists: Mark Anderson and Larry Eckhardt DEC Pesticide Credits: 1.25 […] The post Weeds and Soil Health appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Jan. 7, at noon CST will feature Rachel Drobnak, Ph.D. candidate, crop and soil sciences, Michigan State University. Drobnak’s research focuses on agricultural conservation practices that can benefit soil health and farm finances: two critical components of farm well-being and sustainability. Her work […] The post Prairie Strip Contributions to Farm Soil Health and Performance appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance is pleased to announce that planning for the 2026 Winter Soil Health Meetings is well underway. This year’s meetings are shaping up to feature a strong lineup of vendors, engaging breakout sessions and informative presentations. The Alliance is thrilled to confirm Adam Daugherty as its 2026 keynote speaker. […] The post PA No-Till Alliance Winter Soil Health Registration Now Open appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Soil challenges come in many forms, and the solutions aren’t always obvious. In this interactive Q&A webinar, hosts Carol Collins and Kirsten Kurtz will explore strategies for dealing with some…

A southeast Minnesota farmer says conservation practices are paying off. Tom Cotter began using cover crops and reducing tillage in the late 1990’s. “When you treat soil healthy and treat it good, the nitrogen is more efficient. You can get up to 4.6 times more nitrogen out of earthworm channels. Same with potassium and calcium.” […] The post Southeast Minnesota farmer says soil health practices are paying dividends appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

The 2025 Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award recipient is a diversified crop and livestock farmer from the southeast part of the state. Tom Cotter is a fourth-generation farmer who grows organic and conventional corn, soybeans, sweet corn, peas, sunflowers, oats, forages, and grazes cow-calf pairs across all 850 acres of his farm. “It’s great to do […] The post Leopold award goes to SE Minnesota farmer dedicated to soil health and mentorship appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

A field coordinator is confident in the future of Michigan’s regenerative agriculture efforts. Alex Svoboda with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tells Brownfield the state’s Regenerative Agriculture Program has spent its first year building out soil health resources and networks with farmers. “We’re trying to break out of some of the cost-share […] The post Michigan’s Regenerative Agriculture Program preparing soil health management plans and new grants appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

BOISE, Idaho. — Farming of garlic requires good planning and intelligent soil management. Farmers desire a great yield and crops that are healthy crops. These are both objectives achieved with sustainable techniques. The approaches serve to safeguard the soil and enhance productivity. Several growers have taken up improved farming practices in order to produce quality […] The post Sustainable Garlic Farming: How to Increase Yields Through Crop Rotation and Soil Health appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Brownfield’s Larry Lee covers the Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference. The post Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

Prairie strips can improve measures of soil health faster than expected, according to new research by Iowa State University scientists working in cooperation with the Soil Health Institute.

The USDA has announced a $700 million regenerative agriculture pilot program to help farmers improve soil health and strengthen the food supply chain. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the initiative is designed by farmers for farmers.  “Improving the health of our soil is critical not only for the future viability of farmland, but to the future […] The post USDA launches regenerative agriculture pilot program to help improve soil health and strengthen the food supply chain appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

AMES, Iowa — Prairie strips can improve measures of soil health faster than expected, according to new research by Iowa State University scientists working in cooperation with the Soil Health Institute. Prairie strips – 30-100 ft strips of herbaceous, perennial plants within crop fields – are designed to restore some of the benefits of Iowa’s […] The post Prairie Strips Can Rapidly Improve Soil Health appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

INDIANAPOLIS — Every year on Dec. 5, World Soils Day reminds us of something easy to overlook but impossible to live without: healthy soil. In Indiana, soil is more than the ground beneath our feet, it’s the foundation of our farms, forests, communities and economy. As we celebrate this day, it’s worth recognizing the commitment […] The post OpEd: Celebrating Indiana’s Farmers and Forestland Owners’ Contribution to Soil Health appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

A southwest Iowa farmer says he continues to see positive results from his implementation of cover crops. Mark Peterson farms near Stanton in Montgomery County. He tells Brownfield that cover crops have helped him reach some of his environmental goals. “We have done cover crops for a number of years and have been very happy. […] The post Cover crops improve soil health, water quality for Iowa farmer appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

PRATT, Kan. — In an era where seed, fertilizer, and chemical costs are rising faster than commodity prices, Kansas farmers are facing unprecedented financial pressure. With margins stretched razor-thin, many growers want to try new approaches, but simply can’t afford the risk. Recognizing this challenge, the Patterson Family Foundation has awarded a transformative grant to Pipeline […] The post Patterson Family Foundation Awards Grant to Help Kansas Farmers Restore Soil Health and Profitability appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

The search is on for the UK’s next Soil Farmer of the Year, with entries now open for the 2026 competition as organisers call on farmers to ...

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Are you interested in learning innovative ways to improve soil health and farm profits? Yes! Make sure to register for the 2026 Soil Health Webinar series, held Thursdays each month from January through April. In this series, extension educators, industry personnel, and academic experts will discuss science-backed practical strategies to boost crop […] The post Register for 2026 Soil Health Webinar Series appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Longtime University of Missouri researcher Tim Reinbott will speak on soil health and its increasingly important role during drought at the 2025 Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia. The conference is Missouri’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and agricultural industry professionals, says MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley, who organizes the conference. Reinbott’s presentation will […] The post Learn How to Improve Soil Health at Missouri Crop Management Conference appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

A new publication from researchers in the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources delves into the potential of carbon-rich products to enhance agricultural productivity in challenging environments. Published in the journal Sustainability, the study,...

Organic agriculture is an increasingly popular management approach, embraced by growers and consumers alike for its potential to reduce environmental impacts.

Organic agriculture is an increasingly popular management approach, embraced by growers and consumers alike for its potential to reduce environmental impacts.However, a new Flinders University study of Adelaide Hills apple orchards suggests that soil health is more complex than management labels alone, with conventional and organic orchards showing surprisingly similar results.

AMES, Iowa—Iowa Learning Farms will host a no-till and soil health field day on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Badger Community Center. The event is open to farmers and landowners at no cost and includes a complimentary meal. Located in the heart of the Des Moines Lobe, known for the rich, dark […] The post No-Till & Soil Health Field Day to be Held appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Chemical farming has pushed the limits of the land for too long. Fertilizers once promised endless abundance, but decades of dependence have drained the life from the soil, leaving it weaker and less able to sustain itself. The more we’ve tried to force production, the more fragile our food system has become. Today, rising fertilizer use and falling soil health tell a simple story: extraction without renewal always collapses in the end. That’s why a growing number of growers and home gardeners are shifting their focus from feeding plants to restoring the soil’s natural vitality. Instead of relying on synthetic boosters, they’re looking for ways to activate the biology already present underground. Biostimulants — natural compounds made from seaweed, compost, or beneficial microbes — are emerging as one of the most effective tools for this transition. The beauty of biostimulants lies in their subtlety. They don’t promise instant results; they bring balance back to a living system

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Fall is a great time to start thinking about how to adjust your management practices to reduce erosion and improve soil health. A good first step is to understand the current state of your soil. To do this, you can perform a quick in-field soil health assessment. In this visual guide, […] The post How to Conduct An In-Field Soil Health Assessment appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

WASHINGTON — American Farmland Trust is celebrating the fifth year of its Soil Health Stewards program, a national effort to educate the agricultural land protection community that healthy soils drive productive farmland and viable farms and ranches. Soil Health Stewards is one of several initiatives offered through AFT’s National Agricultural Land Network (NALN), a national […] The post AFT Celebrates Five Years of Soil Health Stewards Program appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Crop diversity, no-till, cover crops, acre-by-acre management and grazing fields in the fall and winter can help increase profitability, Brian Johnson of South Dakota Soil Health Coalition says.

Healthy soil sustains life. Minimize disturbance, keep living roots, boost biodiversity and maintain cover to improve yields, water quality and resilience. The post How do we determine soil health? appeared first on Farm and Dairy.

BOZEMAN, Mont. — When land managers modify their management to improve soil health, it is often challenging to measure and evaluate the soil’s response. “There is no optimum standard for soil health in the same way that there is an optimal body temperature for human health,” said Cathy Zabinski, professor of plant and soil ecology […] The post Montana State Experts Offer Way to Assess and Track Soil Health appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

The global food system faces growing risks as modern farming practices undermine the resilience of the world's soils, according to new research.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has officially designated the STAR Tool as the required soil health assessment for all state-funded conservation practices. Brian Rennecker, bureau chief for the Division of Natural Resources with IDOA, says Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources is a free program built by producers. “It really helps farmers evaluate their in-field management […] The post Illinois designates STAR Tool as official soil health assessment for conservation programs appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

AMES, Iowa – Agriculture and conservation professionals, farmers, landowners and students are invited to attend a regional training focused on the science, management and soil health benefits of integrating livestock into farming systems. The two-day workshop, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in collaboration with the Soil Health Nexus, will be held Oct. 22–23 at the Alliant Energy […] The post Workshop to Highlight Soil Health Benefits of Livestock Integration appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

A southwestern Illinois farmer says recent rains should do wonders for his cover crops. Dale Haudrich, who farms in Monroe County, says drones seeded cover crops into his standing corn just before the precipitation. “We’ve got over an inch of rain here in the last two days, and I think we’ll have some cover crops […] The post Drone technology helps Illinois farmer improve soil health with timely cover crops appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

A southwest Iowa farmer is having long-term success using cover crops. Mark Peterson of Stanton says he’s used multiple species through the years to improve soil health. “We have across the farm raised our organic matter over 1 percent (and) every percent that you raise it is an extra inch of water holding capacity.” He […] The post Iowa farmer praises cover crops for soil health benefits appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has officially designated the STAR Tool as the required soil health assessment for all state-funded conservation practices, in accordance with the Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act (70 ILCS 405). This decision marks a significant milestone in the commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship […] The post IDOA Selects Star Tool to Advance Statewide Soil Health Initiatives appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

In the fertile black soil regions of Northeast China, a groundbreaking long-term field study has unveiled pivotal insights into the role of biochar in enhancing soil health and agricultural productivity. This research underscores the intricate balance necessary when applying biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct derived from biomass pyrolysis, to degraded soils. Notably, it demonstrates that optimal […]

The event on Tuesday, Sept. 16, brought together more than 100 people to learn about research, cover cropping, pollinator mixes and perennial grains.

CORNING, N.Y. — The 2025 New York Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Field Days are wrapping up, and we don’t want you to miss these last three hands-on events. Farmers, researchers, and conservation partners from across New York are coming together to share practical strategies for improving soil health, enhancing climate resilience, and learning directly […] The post 2025 New York Soil Health Field Days – Join Us! appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is proud to announce the upcoming Wisconsin Water and Soil Health (WWASH) Conference, taking place December 16–17, 2025, at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI. This dynamic event brings together farmers, agronomists, conservation professionals, and researchers to explore the critical […] The post Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

In the Agweek 360 Building at the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show, across from the food court, speakers will talk grain marketing, soil health and data-driven media strategies for ag brands.

The Nebraska Soil Health Coalition, in partnership with Bijesh Maharjan, associate professor in soil science and agronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is taking an important step toward understanding and improving the resilience of Nebraska’s...

Soil contamination by heavy metals, particularly cadmium (Cd), has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges threatening global agriculture and food security. Cadmium, a toxic element, accumulates in soils due to industrial activities, mining, and excessive use of phosphate fertilizers, subsequently entering the food chain and posing serious health risks to humans. Addressing […]

Recent research has highlighted an innovative agricultural practice that could revolutionize farming in Northern Ghana—biochar application. As climatic challenges and soil degradation threaten agricultural productivity, particularly in regions that depend heavily on maize farming, the knowledge surrounding biochar proves to be timely and critical. This method involves the pyrolysis of biomass, resulting in a stable […]

As producers head closer to harvest and make fall preparations, a soil health specialist asks them to consider practices that could keep soils where they are at.

WASHINGTON — In the world of agriculture, tools play an important role in enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainable farming practices. One such essential tool is the cultipacker. A cultipacker is designed to break up soil clods and create a firm seedbed, which is crucial for planting. Its primary function is to improve the contact between […] The post Cultipacker Benefits: Soil Health & Crop Yield Boost appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

FILLMORE, N.Y. — Please join us for a morning of hands-on learning with expert insights from local farmers, industry representatives, and extension. We will have some demonstration plots in action along with discussion about how cover crops influence soils and demonstration showing impacts on farm resiliency. Free lunch provided following field walk. Free to attend, […] The post Organic Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

LANSING, Mich. — This summer, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is sponsoring a free, in-depth workshop series alongside farmer-run  Understanding Ag, LLC. The series is designed to help farmers adopt soil-health practices that improve resilience, increase profitability, and support long-term sustainability. It emphasizes peer-to-peer learning and real-world experience, recognizing that farmer-to-farmer […] The post Free Regenerative Agriculture Workshop: Row Crop Soil Health appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

DICKINSON, N.D. — Farmers, ranchers, agronomists and community members are invited to attend the 2025 Soil Health Workshop on Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT at the Biesiot Activities Center, 398 State Avenue, Dickinson, North Dakota. The event is hosted by the NDSU Dickinson Research Extension Center, Dickinson State University and the […] The post Dickinson Research Extension Center Soil Health Workshop, Sept. 17 appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

DAVIS, Calif. — Autonomous weed-killing robots, AI-powered plant-health scanners, and farm waste converters will take center stage Wednesday, Sept. 17, when University of California, Merced hosts a VINE Connect Field Day. Seven ag tech startups will demonstrate market-ready solutions designed specifically for the challenges the California agricultural industry has identified as top priorities: rising costs, […] The post Farmers Invited to Test Robots, High-Tech Solutions at Sept. 17 Soil-Health Field Day appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

WASHINGTON — Building upon interest in agriculturally compatible approaches to solar energy development across the country, American Farmland Trust released a new solar soil health guide and announced new cross-sector partnerships to advance its Smart Solar SM work at the 2025  Solar Farm Summit in Chicago. The 3rd annual Summit represents America’s leading farmer-first solar […] The post New Solar Soil Health Guide Available appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

WASHINGTON — Without key pesticides corn growers could see a significant reduction in production and ability to continue conservation tillage and cover cropping practices, which are critical for reducing soil erosion, improving water quality and enhancing soil health, according to one of the nation’s top farmer advocates. The comment, made by Illinois farmer and National […] The post Corn Grower Leader Emphasizes Importance of Pesticide Access for Improving Soil Health appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

The Farmers for Soil Health conservation program will continue this year. Technical assistant Greg Luce says there are some changes and sign-up will be available soon. The post Farmers for Soil Health Sign-Up Starts Soon appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

Bipartisan legislation has been reintroduced into the U.S. House to ensure that farmers who invest in carbon capture programs are rewarded. Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen says the Advancing Research on Agricultural Soil Health Act would create consistent and standardized soil carbon measurements, which can be used to establish a farmer’s carbon intensity score, potentially providing […] The post New legislation aims to reward farmers for improving soil health appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced that 14 projects will receive grant funding totaling $590,000 through its Healthy Soils Competitive Fund. This pioneering grant program provides financial assistance to qualifying farms and organizations—both large and small—to adopt innovative conservation practices that benefit climate, soil, and water. “Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. […] The post MDA Awards Innovative Soil Health & Agroforestry Practices Grants appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Delaware Soil Health Partnership will host an in-person Soil Health Field Day on Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 4722 Stein Hwy., Seaford, DE 19973. The event will feature a lineup of local soil health leaders and practical demonstrations. Chris Brosch, deputy secretary of agriculture, will discuss […] The post Soil Health Field Day set for Aug. 20 appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

LYONS, Neb. — As solar energy projects continue to grow across the U.S., a fact sheet from the Center for Rural Affairs outlines how new development can be designed to protect soil health, reduce erosion, and maintain long-term agricultural productivity. The newly released fact sheet, “Soil Health in Solar Development,” provides practical guidance for developers, […] The post New Fact Sheet Provides Soil Health Resources for Solar Development appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

For centuries, agriculture has relied heavily on natural amendments like lime, gypsum, and manure to enhance soil fertility and crop yields. Yet, the research led by the University of Missouri unveils a transformative potential in a material that might seem old-fashioned but offers cutting-edge solutions for modern farming challenges. This material, biochar—a charcoal-like substance derived […]

For generations, farmers have used natural materials such as lime, gypsum and manure to improve their soil for growing crops. Now, a team of researchers led by the University of Missouri is giving new purpose to an established material—biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from leftover plant waste—and showing how it can address challenges facing today's cotton growers.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — For generations, farmers have used natural materials such as lime, gypsum and manure to improve their soil for growing crops. Now, a team of researchers led by the University of Missouri is giving new purpose to an established material — biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from leftover plant waste — and showing […] The post Biochar Improves Soil Health for Cotton Production, Study Confirms appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

As solar energy projects continue to grow across the United States, the Center for Rural Affairs has released a fact sheet outlining how new development can be designed to protect soil health, reduce erosion and maintain long-term agricultural productivity. “Soil Health in Solar Development” provides practical guidance for developers, landowners and communities constructing solar sites… The post Center for Rural Affairs publishes soil health resource for solar construction appeared first on Solar Power World.

MADISON, Wis. — The UW–Madison Division of Extension is hosting a Soil Health Workshop on Friday, August 14 from 9:30am to 1:30pm for those farming, managing land, or working with landowners in the Yellow River watershed. The workshop, hosted by Polzin Farm, 8492 County Highway XX near Cadott, will showcase how different management practices conserve […] The post Soil Health Workshop in Chippewa County on August 14 appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — The New York Soil Health Alliance and the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association have teamed up for back-to-back field days Aug. 6-7 at Rodman Lott & Son Farms in Seneca Falls. The 2025 Summer Crop Tour hosted by the New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association will take place […] The post Seneca Falls Field Days: Soil Health & More appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

A south-central Iowa corn and soybean farmer says regenerative ag practices have helped him keep his soil on his farm. Steve Kuiper of Knoxville says reducing soil erosion is one of his biggest priorities. “We finished a couple projects this spring creating some dry basins. You’re going to have hard rains and you’re going to […] The post Iowa farmer prioritizes soil health, regenerative ag practices appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

A University of Wisconsin Extension researcher encourages farmers to preserve soil and nutrients by minimizing soil disturbance. Chris Bandura is the extension conservation cropping outreach specialist.  He tells Brownfield tillage makes soil more vulnerable to erosion losses and the loss of nutrients including phosphorus, but what about manure injection? Bandura says, “There’s some logistical hiccups […] The post Manure injection better for soil health appeared first on Brownfield Ag News.

PRESTON and CALEDONIA, Minn. — The Roots and Rotation field day series highlights the potential of livestock and grazing practices to improve soil health. The second half of this series is taking place at the end of July and early August. These field days will focus on integrating livestock onto cropland. Join us at one […] The post Roots and Rotation: A Soil Health Field Day Series appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

DAVIS, Calif. — To help farmers and other Californians address emerging issues, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has hired more UC Cooperative Extension experts with a wide range of skills and experience. New UC Cooperative Extension specialists, advisors, coordinators and educators around the state are bringing expertise in youth development, soil health, […] The post UC ANR Hires Experts in Small Farms, Groundwater, Forestry, Soil Health, Youth Development appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dubbed modern soil health practices “unsustainable” during the first Make America Healthy Again roundtable on Capitol Hill. Speakers called for increasing use of precision agriculture technology and expanding public-private partnerships to boost usage of conservation practices. 

WELLS, Minn. — A field day on September 9th will highlight some unique long-term drainage plots managed by the University of Minnesota since 2012. On rented farmland near Wells, MN, the plots have been used to investigate how varying tillage, fertility, and other soybean management practices perform on fields with and without drainage. Researchers from […] The post Register now for September 9 field day on drainage, soil health appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The classic microscope is getting a modern twist – US researchers are developing an AI-powered microscope system that could make soil health testing faster, cheaper, and more accessible to farmers and land managers around the world. Researchers at The University of Texas at San Antonio, USA, have successfully combined low-cost optical […] The post AI for On-Farm Soil Health Testing appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The Soil Health Academy (SHA) announced that Ben Katon will serve as organizational strategist, offering planning and operational guidance as the non-profit enters a new phase of strategic growth and development. With extensive experience in strategic management and non-profit governance, Katon brings valuable insight to SHA as it refines its programming, […] The post Soil Health Academy Announces Leadership Addition appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

The classic microscope is getting a modern twist—US researchers are developing an AI-powered microscope system that could make soil health testing faster, cheaper, and more accessible to farmers and land managers around the world.

Healthy soil is much more than just dirt. It’s a vibrant, living ecosystem teeming…

AMES, Iowa—Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop, soil health and water quality field day near Jewell on Thursday, July 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Alex and Shelley Woodall’s farm. The no-cost event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal. Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and […] The post Cover Crop, Soil Health and Water Quality Field Day appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

In an era dominated by technological advancements, agriculture is undergoing a profound transformation driven by innovative digital tools and scientific methodologies. Among the most promising developments is the integration of cutting-edge technology in the practice of regenerative agriculture—a holistic approach that emphasizes the restoration and long-term health of soils, bolstering biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem resilience. […]

MIDDLEPORT, N.Y. — American Farmland Trust (AFT), in collaboration with New York Soil Health, and Western New York Soil Health Alliance, invites farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals to attend the 2025 Western New York Soil Health Field Day on Wednesday, July 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Zeliff Farm, 10275 Johnson Road, Middleport, […] The post AFT to Host WNY Soil Health Field Day on July 16 appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

AMES, Iowa—Iowa Learning Farms will host a relay intercropping, soil health and water quality field day near Walcott on Tuesday, July 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Paustian Family Farm. The no-cost event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal. In a relay intercropping system, where three crops are grown in two […] The post Relay Intercropping, Soil Health and Water Quality Field Day, July 15 appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Soil is undeniably the foundation of agricultural productivity, playing a pivotal role not only in supplying essential nutrients and water to crops but also in sustaining a myriad of ecological functions. This multifunctionality encompasses processes like nutrient cycling, water retention, and microbial activity, which together maintain the resilience and fertility of soil ecosystems. However, modern […]

One-third of the Earth's land surface is already degraded. The UN estimates that more than 2.6 billion people are harmed by land degradation, with countries losing up to US$10.6 trillion (£7.8 trillion) a year because of damage to "ecosystem services," including the benefits people get from nature such as water and food.

An ag strategist explains ag transportation challenges. We look at a restored schoolhouse. It's time to take action against weeds. The region is at a critical point for erosion and soil health.