A new study from researchers at the University of Minnesota and Iowa State University finds that diversifying crop rotations can greatly reduce negative environmental and health impacts, while maintaining profitability for farmers. This research shows that adding more crops to the conventional corn-soy rotation is beneficial to both farmers and the environment.

The availability of nitrogen (N) returned to the soil from a cover crop for use by the following crop is a function of residual soil N and N mineralization but environmental factors make it difficult to predict the amount of N that will become available and when it can be used. A new post from the University of Nebraska offer insights to help inform nutrient changes following cover crops.

The best way to save a decade’s worth of priceless soil and water improvements is to no-till Conservation Reserve Program ground coming back into ag production.

Along with enjoying numerous environmental benefits, veteran no-tillers for many years have cashed in on no-till’s additional profitability as a result of labor savings and reduced equipment costs.