In the news: Rattan Lal, Cover Crops, NY Soil Health Act, Paper on the role of soil organic carbon for soil functioning
In case you missed some recent soil health news and research items for New York and beyond!
Something Fun: This apartment in central New York is filled with 140 tons of soil
“The New York Earth Room” is a work by artist Walter De Maria, commissioned and maintained by the Dia Art Foundation.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Announces Applications Open for 2022 New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award
The accolade honors a farm and its nominating soil and water conservation district for extraordinary achievement in environmental stewardship. Applications for the New York AEM Leopold Conservation Award must be received by the department by May 1.
Congratulations to the first 158 Advanced Soil Health Course Certificate earners!
It’s official: 158 soil health practitioners earned their Cornell University Advanced Soil Health certificate. Another 50 participated in the course informally.
This first group to earn their certificate represents an amazing international cohort from over 30 countries. They fill a wide range of roles from agronomists to graduate students to urban farmers.
Research: Intercropping red clover with intermediate wheatgrass suppresses weeds without reducing grain yield
This research represents a first step in developing organic, perennial cropping systems in the Northeast U.S. Kernza, a brand name for Thinopyrum intermedium, a domesticated version of intermediate wheatgrass – has led researchers to explore dual uses to increase profitability, such as using the plants as forage for animals.
USDA offers expanded conservation program opportunities
New cover crop programs and expanded incentive programs offered to climate-focused farmers.
New York Enacts Soil Health, Climate Resilient Farming Law
The New York Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act is designed to enhance and maintain the health and resilience of agricultural soils.
NY farmers invited to participate in statewide Vision 2050 plan through survey
Survey asks what farmers want to see for the future of New York State’s food system by 2050.
Ground Work 2021: New York State Soybean Harvest Going Smoothly
A nice update in U.S. Soy on the fall soybean harvest at Rodman Lott & Son Farms in Seneca Falls, NY. They report working quickly to harvest and then get their cover crops in.
How Healthy Is a Farm’s Soil? Check How Active Its Microbes Are
Researchers developed a probe that could help farmers better understand their land by measuring the electric current from the tiny creatures in the dirt.