Published Jan 19, 2019
FARM WALKS WITH THE SOIL FARMERS OF THE YEAR 2018The winners of the FCCT Soil Farmer of the Year competition opened their gates over four days and provided a veritable masterclass in managing soils. Spanning a range of soil types, management systems and enterprises, attending farmers gained insights into their award winning management and a better understanding as to why these farms had been picked as the top three in this year’s competition. The Soil Farmer of the Year Competition, now in its third year, is run by the Farm Carbon Cutting Toolkit and Innovation for Agriculture. The competition aims to find farmers and growers who are engaged with, and passionate about managing their soils in a way which supports productive agriculture, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and builds soil health, organic matter and ultimately, carbon... Simon has been working on improving his soils for the last 20 years, and moved to a notill system 12 years ago, being flexible with both management and rotations to prioritise soil health...
Categories: Cover Crops
By Monica Pape
Published Mar 20, 2018
In the 52 Weeks of Agronomy Series I've been posting on my website, I took a week and explained this agronomist's take on soil health vs. soil fertility. To read the article and get caught up on the rest of the series follow along at News | The Accidental Agronomist I spoke at a conference in front of 200 farmers and used the term, custom soil fertility programs. At the time I was working as a sales agronomist for a fertilizer company that offered custom fertilizer recommendations based on a farmer’s soil tests... After my talk, I headed back to my table to see a line of guys with soil tests in their hands...
By Darren Chan
Published Aug 28, 2020
Soil Borne Diseases, mainly plant pathogens living in the soil with crop residue... The reason for the aggravation of soil-borne diseases is the formation of the dominant population of pathogenic bacteria in soil and the reduction of beneficial microorganisms... The fungus is the leading cause of soil-borne diseases... Causes of Soil Borne Diseases1. Continuous CroppingDue to the long time’s continuous cropping, the root exudates of continuous cropping and some pathogenic microorganisms accumulate in the soil...
Categories: Agribusiness, Irrigation, Organic Row Crops
Updated Aug 1, 2020
Data derived from annual USDA-NASS Crop Production ReportsEvery farmer's dream is to have a field that contains fertile soil, sufficient nutrient content, and a right balance between beneficial and harmful microorganisms and insects... Spatial variability refers to the difference in the yield of certain areas in the same field due to unequal characteristics of soil, plants, and terrain. Factors affecting corn yield variability:Soil textureThe percentage of sand, gravel, and clay in the soil determines its texture. With the help of a simple manual technique, one can quickly identify the soil texture in a specific field. Different texture in spatial distribution differently affects corn yield through variations in nutrient capacity and availability, water capacity and transport, binding or decomposition of pesticides, as well as soil stability itself to different destructive forces...
Categories: Corn
An Oregon wetland resource manager examines a soil core sample. Proper soil sampling should accurately capture the variability of a field and provide useful data for input and management decisions. Photo by Jack Dykinga, USDA ARS.
Published Oct 1, 2020
, now is a good time to prepare for your soil sampling program. Most universities and the NRCS recommend taking soil samples in the off-season, after the last crop harvest, and before the next cash crop is planted... But before you can grab your soil probe and head out to the field, you need to understand best soil sampling practices and have a plan of action for collecting your samples, so you can accurately capture the soil chemistry and variability of your fields. Poor soil sampling practices can result in incorrect data, which can end up costing you in either inputs or yield. “The foundation of understanding or making an appropriate recommendation comes from having a representative soil sample,” says Jason Ackerson, a Purdue University soil scientist...
Categories: Precision Agriculture, Soil Health
Interests: Corn, Cotton, Peanuts, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables, Dairy
By Darren Chan
Published Aug 21, 2019
What’s Soil SalinizationSoil salinization is one of the most vital soil problems for agricultural production... Soil salinization usually occurs in arid areas, In these areas, soluble salt ions accumulate in the soil. In these areas where plant growth requires irrigation, the Evaporation and transpiration process leaves salt in the soil. In the beginning, the salt will reduce soil productivity and limit crop yields. As the salt content increases, it kills the vegetation and soil microorganism...
Categories: Agribusiness, Irrigation, Wheat
Published Jul 18, 2018
As we learn more about what goes on in the world beneath our feet, increased attention has been placed on soil organic matter... While it only makes up a small percentage of most soils, the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) says it’s the “very foundation for healthy and productive soils” — and the more organic matter there is, the better the results. Consider the following findings from SARE and the NRCS:A study of soils in Michigan demonstrated potential crop-yield increases of about 12% for every 1% organic matter... One percent of organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil holds approximately 27,000 gallons of water per acre... When North Carolina corn yield champion Russell Hedrick increased his soil organic matter from 2...
Categories: Cover Crops
soil crumb structure
By Darren Chan
Published Jul 4, 2018
First of all,let us understand the soil structureThe soil is a porous system... The solid material in the soil includes both mineral and organic matter. The liquid part refers to the moisture of the soil,which is preserved and moved between the pores of the soil and is the most active part of the soil. The gas part refers to the air of the soil and it is filled with pores that are not occupied by moisture... Crumb structure is a type of soil structure in which the structural units or peds have a spheroidal or crumb shape...
Categories: Agribusiness, Irrigation, Vegetables
Middle Tennessee State University soil scientist Samuel Haruna analyzes a soil sample from his research fields to see how cover crops impact soil temperature. Photo provided by Samuel Haruna.
Updated Aug 17, 2020
You can pick the right seed, use the right equipment, apply the right inputs, and plant at the right depth, but without the right soil temperature, your crops are likely to struggle... Why Soil Temperature MattersWhile soil temperature has an impact on the soil and crop production throughout the growing season, the NRCS says it’s most critical at planting, when it drives seed germination and directly affects plant growth. “Most soil organisms function best at an optimum soil temperature,” says the USDA agency, adding that soil temperature influences soil moisture content, aeration, and the availability of plant nutrients. This graphic from the NRCS shows what happens to plants and soil life based on the soil temperature. The soil has to warm up to a certain degree for plants to get off to a good start, but if it continues to heat up and does so rapidly, that can harm plant growth...
Categories: Cover Crops
Interests: Corn, Cotton, Peanuts, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables, Dairy
Business Title: Marc Suderman Consulting
Job Title: Certified Crop Adviser
About: Independent soil & crop nutritionist, consultant, contractor and tech-rep.
Uses the Albrecht method for soil nutrient balance and health, with emphasis on microbiology and “plant-ready” nutrients.
Twenty years of experience in the San Joaquin valley of California, now relocated to central Washington.
Serving growers in the PNW and northern CA.
Interests:
Corn, Cotton, Vegetables, Precision Agriculture, Irrigation, Agribusiness, Ag Policy, Cover Crops, Grapes
Business Title: My Ag Life Daily News Report
Job Title: Other Ag Professional, Farm Broadcaster - Newsradio
Interests:
Corn, Cotton, Wheat, Vegetables, Rice, Beef, Dairy, Poultry, Swine, Cover Crops, Ag Policy, Irrigation, Marketing, Agribusiness, Canola, Peanuts, Sorghum, Soybeans, Organic Row Crops, Feed, Grass-Fed Livestock, Specialty Livestock, Crop Protection, Fertility, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Crop Scouting, Apps, Telemetry, Precision Agriculture, Ag Commentary, News, NRCS, Conservation Plans, Conservation Easements, Hemp, Organic Specialty Crops, Orchard Crops, Tree Nuts, Homesteading
Business Title: Hardwick Planting Company
Job Title: Farmer
Interests:
Corn, Cotton, Sorghum, Soybeans, Wheat, Crop Protection, Crop Scouting, Fertility, Irrigation, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Apps, Precision Agriculture, Ag Commentary, Marketing, News, Agribusiness, Farm Management, Shops, Cover Crops, Fishing, Horses, Hunting
Job Title: Other Ag Professional, University Professor And Extension Specialist
Interests:
Corn, Wheat, Beef, Feed, Grass-Fed Livestock, Specialty Livestock, Crop Protection, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Ag Commentary, Marketing, News, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Ag Policy, Agribusiness, Farm Management, Farmland and Real Estate, Human Resources, Operating a Farm, Succession Planning, Taxes, Purchasing, Repair, Cover Crops, NRCS
Business Title: Iowa State University
Job Title: Extension Agent Or University Employee
Interests:
Corn, Soybeans, Beef, Dairy, Swine, Crop Protection, Fertility, Soil Health, Precision Agriculture, Ag Policy, Succession Planning, Conservation Plans, Cover Crops
Business Title: Seitec Genetics
Job Title: Ag Retail Professional, Crop Consultant, Other Ag Professional, corn breeder
Interests:
Corn, Cotton, Organic Row Crops, Peanuts, Rice, Sorghum, Soybeans, Wheat, Beef, Dairy, Feed, Grass-Fed Livestock, Poultry, Swine, Crop Protection, Crop Scouting, Fertility, Irrigation, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Apps, Precision Agriculture, Telemetry, Ag Commentary, Marketing, News, Ag Policy, Agribusiness, Farm Management, Farmland and Real Estate, Operating a Farm, Tools, Conservation Plans, Cover Crops, NRCS, Vegetables, Homesteading, Hunting
Job Title: Farmer, Landowner
Interests:
Wheat, Beef, Dairy, Feed, Poultry, Crop Protection, Crop Scouting, Fertility, Irrigation, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Apps, Precision Agriculture, Telemetry, Orchard Crops, Tree Nuts, Vegetables
Job Title: Farmer
Interests:
Corn, Soybeans, Beef, Feed, Crop Protection, Crop Scouting, Fertility, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Apps, Precision Agriculture, Ag Commentary, Marketing, News, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Ag Policy, Agribusiness, Farm Management, Operating a Farm, Taxes, Projects, Purchasing, Repair, Shops, Tools, Cover Crops
Job Title: Farmer
Interests:
Soybeans, Corn, Sorghum, Cotton, Fertility, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Farm Management, Purchasing, Projects, Shops, Cover Crops, Conservation Plans
Public
A group dedicated to providing information on crop fertility and soil qualities.
Interest:
Corn, Cotton, Peanuts, Soybeans, Wheat, Cover Crops, Fertility, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Conservation Easements, Conservation Plans, NRCS
Public
Soil and everything in it is the focus here. Crop Nutritionists and CCAs know that growing a crop is more than planting, watering and applying fertilizer. It requires testing, planning, monitoring and adjusting the plan as needed.
Interest:
Corn, Wheat, Vegetables, Cover Crops, Ag Policy, Precision Agriculture, Organic Row Crops, Irrigation, Agribusiness
Public
We are interested in gathering experiences, solutions and history of organic methods in citrus production. As well as record and document unique policy and market access hurdles organic citrus growers face in each different region of the world.
Interest:
Organic Row Crops, Crop Protection, Fertility, Irrigation, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Apps, Precision Agriculture, Telemetry, Ag Commentary, Marketing, News, Ag Policy, Agribusiness, Farm Management, Farmland and Real Estate, Operating a Farm, Conservation Easements, Conservation Plans, Cover Crops, Orchard Crops, Organic Specialty Crops, Homesteading
Public
California and Arizona real farm radio, providing current, relevant, and interesting agriculture news. We are proud to serve the agriculture community. AgNet West is based in California.
Interest:
Corn, Cotton, Peanuts, Soybeans, Wheat, Vegetables, Rice, Canola, Sorghum, Beef, Dairy, Poultry, Swine, Cover Crops, Ag Policy, Precision Agriculture, Organic Row Crops, Irrigation, Timber, Marketing, Agribusiness, Crop Protection, Crop Scouting, Fertility, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture
Public
Here is a group for growers of specialty crops to come together.
Interest:
Orchard Crops, Organic Specialty Crops, Tree Nuts, Crop Protection, Crop Scouting, Fertility, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Ag Commentary, Marketing, News, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Ag Policy, Agribusiness, Farm Management, Farmland and Real Estate, Human Resources, Operating a Farm, Succession Planning, Taxes
Public
Here\'s a place for ag professionals who are interested in organic food production.
Interest:
Organic Row Crops, Crop Protection, Crop Scouting, Fertility, Soil Health, Sustainable Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Conservation Easements, Conservation Plans, Cover Crops, NRCS, Organic Specialty Crops
Public
GPS, precision soil sampling, UAV\\\'s (drones) data acquisition and management, etc
Interest:
Precision Agriculture
Public
Direct Driller is a magazine from the UK, designed by farmers for farmers to educate and inform the industry about systems of reduced cultivation and soil health. Sign up to receive your copy.
Interest:
Wheat, Vegetables, Cover Crops
Published Jan 19, 2019
FARM WALKS WITH THE SOIL FARMERS OF THE YEAR 2018The winners of the FCCT Soil Farmer of the Year competition opened their gates over four days and provided a veritable masterclass in managing soils. Spanning a range of soil types, management systems and enterprises, attending farmers gained insights into their award winning management and a better understanding as to why these farms had been picked as the top three in this year’s competition. The Soil Farmer of the Year Competition, now in its third year, is run by the Farm Carbon Cutting Toolkit and Innovation for Agriculture. The competition aims to find farmers and growers who are engaged with, and passionate about managing their soils in a way which supports productive agriculture, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and builds soil health, organic matter and ultimately, carbon... Simon has been working on improving his soils for the last 20 years, and moved to a notill system 12 years ago, being flexible with both management and rotations to prioritise soil health...
Categories: Cover Crops
By Monica Pape
Published Mar 20, 2018
In the 52 Weeks of Agronomy Series I've been posting on my website, I took a week and explained this agronomist's take on soil health vs. soil fertility. To read the article and get caught up on the rest of the series follow along at News | The Accidental Agronomist I spoke at a conference in front of 200 farmers and used the term, custom soil fertility programs. At the time I was working as a sales agronomist for a fertilizer company that offered custom fertilizer recommendations based on a farmer’s soil tests... After my talk, I headed back to my table to see a line of guys with soil tests in their hands...
By Darren Chan
Published Aug 28, 2020
Soil Borne Diseases, mainly plant pathogens living in the soil with crop residue... The reason for the aggravation of soil-borne diseases is the formation of the dominant population of pathogenic bacteria in soil and the reduction of beneficial microorganisms... The fungus is the leading cause of soil-borne diseases... Causes of Soil Borne Diseases1. Continuous CroppingDue to the long time’s continuous cropping, the root exudates of continuous cropping and some pathogenic microorganisms accumulate in the soil...
Categories: Agribusiness, Irrigation, Organic Row Crops
Updated Aug 1, 2020
Data derived from annual USDA-NASS Crop Production ReportsEvery farmer's dream is to have a field that contains fertile soil, sufficient nutrient content, and a right balance between beneficial and harmful microorganisms and insects... Spatial variability refers to the difference in the yield of certain areas in the same field due to unequal characteristics of soil, plants, and terrain. Factors affecting corn yield variability:Soil textureThe percentage of sand, gravel, and clay in the soil determines its texture. With the help of a simple manual technique, one can quickly identify the soil texture in a specific field. Different texture in spatial distribution differently affects corn yield through variations in nutrient capacity and availability, water capacity and transport, binding or decomposition of pesticides, as well as soil stability itself to different destructive forces...
Categories: Corn
An Oregon wetland resource manager examines a soil core sample. Proper soil sampling should accurately capture the variability of a field and provide useful data for input and management decisions. Photo by Jack Dykinga, USDA ARS.
Published Oct 1, 2020
, now is a good time to prepare for your soil sampling program. Most universities and the NRCS recommend taking soil samples in the off-season, after the last crop harvest, and before the next cash crop is planted... But before you can grab your soil probe and head out to the field, you need to understand best soil sampling practices and have a plan of action for collecting your samples, so you can accurately capture the soil chemistry and variability of your fields. Poor soil sampling practices can result in incorrect data, which can end up costing you in either inputs or yield. “The foundation of understanding or making an appropriate recommendation comes from having a representative soil sample,” says Jason Ackerson, a Purdue University soil scientist...
Categories: Precision Agriculture, Soil Health
By Darren Chan
Published Aug 21, 2019
What’s Soil SalinizationSoil salinization is one of the most vital soil problems for agricultural production... Soil salinization usually occurs in arid areas, In these areas, soluble salt ions accumulate in the soil. In these areas where plant growth requires irrigation, the Evaporation and transpiration process leaves salt in the soil. In the beginning, the salt will reduce soil productivity and limit crop yields. As the salt content increases, it kills the vegetation and soil microorganism...
Categories: Agribusiness, Irrigation, Wheat
Published Jul 18, 2018
As we learn more about what goes on in the world beneath our feet, increased attention has been placed on soil organic matter... While it only makes up a small percentage of most soils, the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) says it’s the “very foundation for healthy and productive soils” — and the more organic matter there is, the better the results. Consider the following findings from SARE and the NRCS:A study of soils in Michigan demonstrated potential crop-yield increases of about 12% for every 1% organic matter... One percent of organic matter in the top 6 inches of soil holds approximately 27,000 gallons of water per acre... When North Carolina corn yield champion Russell Hedrick increased his soil organic matter from 2...
Categories: Cover Crops
soil crumb structure
By Darren Chan
Published Jul 4, 2018
First of all,let us understand the soil structureThe soil is a porous system... The solid material in the soil includes both mineral and organic matter. The liquid part refers to the moisture of the soil,which is preserved and moved between the pores of the soil and is the most active part of the soil. The gas part refers to the air of the soil and it is filled with pores that are not occupied by moisture... Crumb structure is a type of soil structure in which the structural units or peds have a spheroidal or crumb shape...
Categories: Agribusiness, Irrigation, Vegetables
Middle Tennessee State University soil scientist Samuel Haruna analyzes a soil sample from his research fields to see how cover crops impact soil temperature. Photo provided by Samuel Haruna.
Updated Aug 17, 2020
You can pick the right seed, use the right equipment, apply the right inputs, and plant at the right depth, but without the right soil temperature, your crops are likely to struggle... Why Soil Temperature MattersWhile soil temperature has an impact on the soil and crop production throughout the growing season, the NRCS says it’s most critical at planting, when it drives seed germination and directly affects plant growth. “Most soil organisms function best at an optimum soil temperature,” says the USDA agency, adding that soil temperature influences soil moisture content, aeration, and the availability of plant nutrients. This graphic from the NRCS shows what happens to plants and soil life based on the soil temperature. The soil has to warm up to a certain degree for plants to get off to a good start, but if it continues to heat up and does so rapidly, that can harm plant growth...
Categories: Cover Crops
Published Mar 7, 2019
While there are numerous reasons for using cover crops, a primary one is improving soil health. In fact, it’s the one benefit most farmers using cover crops have experienced: In the most recent Cover Crop Survey Annual Report, of those who rated the statement, “Using cover crops has improved soil health on my farm,” 86% agreed or strongly agreed. The report notes that it’s interesting and heartening that “soil health reflects an embrace of a long-term, hard-to-quantify benefit of cover crops, and that for the past two surveys, it has achieved the top spot by garnering 86% of the responses. ”While soil health may be harder to quantify than benefits like biomass production or input savings, there are ways of measuring how cover crops are making a difference in your soil... Reduced ErosionProtecting soil from wind and water erosion is a common reason growers begin using cover crops...
Categories: Cover Crops
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