Carbon

Frank Comments

Carbon Value Questioned

By Frank Lessiter posted on June 1, 2014

Much of the research data over the past 20 years has suggested that switching from conventional tillage to no-till can sequester more soil-organic carbon. Yet there’s a growing concern among scientists that no-tilling corn and soybeans without cover crops, small grains and forages in the rotation may not be increasing soil organic-carbon stocks to earlier predicted levels.

Carbon Sequestration In Biomass Crop Production

February 28, 2014 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: By Ann Perry, USDA Agricultural Research Service

Findings at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are providing information about the soil carbon dynamics that play a crucial role in lifecycle assessments of bioenergy production. These studies at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency, support the USDA priority of developing new sources of bioenergy.

Additional 'Ecosystem Services' Found On No-Till Tomato And Cotton Farms

February 12, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops

Source: By Jeannette E. Warnert, University of California

UC research has shown that conservation agriculture practices such as cover cropping and no tillage are generating additional "ecosystem services" in West Side cotton and tomato production.

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

Do Plows Need Cigarette-Style Warnings?

By John Dobberstein posted on November 20, 2013 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Equipment

The consequences of plowing farm ground are so serious, John Baker says the implements should have warnings on them similar to cigarettes. We’ve always argued here at No-Till Farmer that tillage is addictive, especially when it’s recreational tillage that accomplishes little or nothing.

Less Tillage And Better Yields Shrink The Carbon Footprint

An analysis of South Dakota soils and farming practices shows that soils in crop-growing areas have been transformed from a carbon source to a carbon sink.

By Mark Parker posted on October 1, 2013 | Posted in Soil Health

The carbon footprint of South Dakota corn growers is getting smaller thanks to better yields and increased adoption of conservation tillage, according to a South Dakota State University study.

From the Desk of John Dobberstein

Choosing The Right Nitrogen Scavenger

By John Dobberstein posted on September 18, 2013 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management

It’s often said that no-tillers choosing cover crops for their farm operations should have goals in mind. One could be scavenging nitrogen in the soil and holding it for the next cash crop, rather than letting this expensive nutrient run off fields into local watersheds.

No-Till Notes

No-Till Residue Is Your Friend — Not Your Enemy

Key decisions made at harvest could either help build a vibrant no-till system or nullify the benefits residue provides to your farm ground.

By Jim Leverich posted on August 1, 2013 | Posted in Residue Management, Water Management

I recently spoke at the Southwestern Wisconsin No-Till Field Day, where we've had an extremely wet spring. One recent storm in this area dumped more than 10 inches of rain in 1 day.

New Protocol Recommendations For Measuring Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration

February 1, 2013 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: e-Science News

Concerns about long-term shifts in climate patterns have led scientists to measure soil organic carbon (SOC) in agricultural landscapes and to develop methods to evaluate how changes in tillage practices affect atmospheric carbon sequestration.

New Soil Test May Help No-Tillers Pick Covers, Cut Fertilizer Costs

A 24-hour rapid test could help farmers unlock the secret to fertility potential in their soils and make more informed decisions about fertilizer applications.

By John Dobberstein posted on January 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management

A new method of soil testing that measures the drying and rehydration cycles in farm ground could help no-tillers use fertilizer more efficiently and even choose the best cover crops to seed ahead of the next crop.

Cover Crops Do More Than Conserve Water During Drought

August 20, 2012 | Posted in Cover Crops

Source: Justin Fruechte, Millborn Seeds

When we're in a drought, farmers don't think about planting cover crops, but they should consider it, says Kris Nichols, research soil microbiologist with the USDA Agriculture Research Service, Mandan, N.D.

Articles Tagged with ''Carbon''

Carbon Value Questioned

Carbon Sequestration In Biomass Crop Production

Additional 'Ecosystem Services' Found On No-Till Tomato And Cotton Farms

Do Plows Need Cigarette-Style Warnings?

Less Tillage And Better Yields Shrink The Carbon Footprint

Choosing The Right Nitrogen Scavenger

No-Till Residue Is Your Friend — Not Your Enemy

New Protocol Recommendations For Measuring Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration

New Soil Test May Help No-Tillers Pick Covers, Cut Fertilizer Costs

Cover Crops Do More Than Conserve Water During Drought

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