This week, the American Farmland Trust (AFT) is promoting the importance of soil health through Healthy Soils Week, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about sustainable farming practices. Paul Lum, …
American Agriculture History Minute: Becoming Stewards of the Soil
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. We like to think that early American farmers and ranchers were good stewards of the soil, like farmers and ranchers are …
American Agriculture History Minute: Learning Soil Preservation by Crop Rotation
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Early settlers, unfortunately, tended to be careless with the use and care of their soil. This was the case across the …
USDA Workshop Sets Research Roadmap for Tackling PFAS Challenges in Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) recently outlined steps toward addressing Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in agricultural soils and waters. In collaboration with the …
Latest Topsoil Moisture Condition Report
USDA’s latest topsoil moisture condition report reflects a dramatic increase in very-short to short ratings from the previous week, as well as levels not reached in two years. Rod Bain has …
Wide Disparity in Latest Topsoil Moisture Condition Report
A wide range of climate conditions across the continental U.S. results in some large changes in USDA’s topsoil moisture condition report. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentLet’s Talk Livestock Risk Protection For …
The Science of Soil From Feeding Minds Press
A book that teaches young readers about agriculture. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Young readers, gardeners, and educators have a new agricultural adventure to dig into with …
Study Shows Positive Economic Impact of Soil Health
A new study links soil health and farm profitability. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Soil Health Institute (SHI) and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) …
Using Soil Blocks for Better Seed Starting
How to use soil blocks for better seed starting. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Soil blocking involves creating compressed blocks of soil to start seedlings in. It’s inexpensive, …
Sterilizing Soil Helps Beat Back Bugs and Diseases on the Farm
How sterilizing soil will help beat back bugs and diseases on the farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Soil sterilization helps to kill off the pests and …
Cover Crops Demonstrating Success in Combatting Morning Glory
Morning glory can be a problematic weed for many growers, with it being a significant issue in the San Joaquin Valley. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for long …
Applications Still Being Accepted for HSP Incentives Program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is still accepting applications for the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Incentives Program. As of January 6, a total of 836 applications have …
Maintaining Three Main “Food Groups” for Healthy Plants
The best food for your house plants. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. To keep your plants happy and healthy, you must remember to feed them. And, the …
Why Probiotics Should Be Added to the Garden Soil
How and why probiotics should be added to your garden soil. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. We’ve all heard how using probiotics can help improve our overall …