Two interesting developments could help play a role in saving the Ogallala aquifer, an underground water resource that helps drive a $35 billion ag economy in the Great Plains region.

Water quality regulations in the 1990s led to a surprise increase of herbicides in waterways, despite decreased use of the target chemical. Turns out drainage tile — so useful in no-till fields — is speeding the compounds from field to stream.

When growers and educators talk about soil health, it’s usually about combining the benefits of no-till, crop rotations and cover crops.

Present and looming challenges of water supply, climate change, air quality and the long-term fertility and sustainability of California's agricultural soils compel farmers, researchers and the private sector to pursue creative soil management innovations that harmonize with the biological foundations of resource use efficiency, says guest blogger Jeff Mitchell of the University of California.

With Earth Day fresh on our minds, rather than planting trees, here’s something you can do to save our planet that will help farmers be more profitable as well.

Fewer dairies with more cattle per operation puts the Midwest’s Driftless Area on a path toward greater soil erosion.

Messages from the mainstream media suggest that herbicides, insecticides and synthetic fertilizers are doing grave damage to the environment. But a survey of scientific literature shows that damage is minimal and short-lived while damage from tillage is much more severe.

With the passing of National Ag Day last week, we celebrate what’s been done to improve the sustainability of farming operations, but look ahead to what we must do to preserve and protect food security for future generations.