Microbes are by far the most important factor in determining how much carbon is stored in the soil, according to a new study with implications for mitigating climate change and improving soil health for agriculture and food production. The research is the first to measure the relative importance of microbial processes in the soil carbon […] Read more
Tag Archives soil health — page 5
Microbes key to sequestering carbon in soil
Science Notes: Research is first to measure the relative importance of microbial processes in soil carbon cycle
Is soil health society’s responsibility?
Agriculture should not attend to soil health concerns on its own, says advocate
There are many well-intentioned terms, such as sustainability and regenerative, that arise when talking about soil health and soil conservation. But turning words in action is hard to accomplish, given the drive to keep fields productive. Many people say more must be done to stem soil damage. Some statistics support that view: There is also […] Read more
Getting specific on soil health
Growers discussing their soil fertility needs are finding more layers to the subject
There’s a need for standardization of approaches to improving soil health, as farmers are hit with many different opinions and recommendations. It could be everything from acidity to nutrient solubility to microbial activity as the complexity of dealing with improving soil health is significant. Wayne Black has been making the case that producers are being […] Read more
Senators dig into soil at the grassroots level
Agriculture and Forestry Senate Committee goes on fact-finding mission
Senators soiled their undies for science and dug into soil research at the Soil Health Interpretive Centre in Elora on April 25. “We’re seeing important work that happens on the ground, yesterday at the farm level and here at the university academic level,” said Senator Rob Black, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and […] Read more
Confusion remains about soil health
Producers get mixed messages on what they should do to improve
Soil health is a catch-phrase that has dominated the agri-food landscape for at least five years, but what does it mean? The term has been adopted, re-imagined and co-opted by countless individuals, organizations and groups, to support everything from organics to cover crops, reduced till or no till, carbon sequestration, sustainability and regenerative agriculture. Adding […] Read more
New soil sensor may improve efficiency of crop fertilization
Science Notes: Accurate nitrogen detection could help farmers achieve optimal fertilization levels
Measuring temperature and nitrogen levels in soil is important for agriculture systems but detecting them apart from one another is difficult. Huanyu “Larry” Cheng, an associate professor in engineering science and mechanics at Penn State, led researchers in the development of a multi-parameter sensor that can decouple temperature and nitrogen signals so that each can […] Read more
Researchers examine role of soil microbes in GHG emissions
Guelph study compares coniferous, deciduous and grass riparian buffer zones
Researchers at the University of Guelph are studying how best management practices on farms affect soil microbial communities and greenhouse gas emissions. Kari Dunfield, professor and Canada Research Chair in the School of Environmental Sciences, postdoctoral researchers Dasiel Obregon and Tolulope Mafa-Attoye and other collaborators recently published studies on whether riparian buffer systems produce greenhouse […] Read more
Biologicals look to solve pressing agronomic issues
Greater investment continues toward finding biological solutions
Glacier FarmMedia – When it comes to technology, potential often outweighs practical, at least until an opportunity is created for the latter. At the Ontario Agriculture Conference earlier this year, a presentation on the promise of biologicals acknowledged their potential but called for continued verification. Although there are many products on the horizon, further research […] Read more
Adopting a plan B in soybeans
Improving soil health interactions is key to unlocking higher yields
As the importance of soil health gains recognition, its reach extends beyond nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur. Boron, a micronutrient, is getting more attention among advisors and growers, mostly because of its role in plant health and performance. Cell formation, cell wall and vascular tissue formation, node number and plant height, flower development, pollen viability, […] Read more
Rotational grazing system earns BFO pasture award
Young farmer followed his dream, started beef operation on rented land
Tom Aikins is humble about receiving the 2023 Beef Farmers of Ontario Mapleseed Pasture Award. “They decided they wanted to give me this,” said the first-generation farmer from Ravenna, Grey County, during the BFO dinner following its annual meeting last month. “I don’t really know why. I’m not reinventing the wheel, but we’re raising cattle […] Read moreCyber-Savvy Farmer
