Agricultural Research Service

USDA Launching ‘Proving Ground’ for Ag Technology

By John Dobberstein posted on April 10, 2026 | Posted in Agriculture Policy & Programs, Precision Agriculture

The USDA National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech will, according to the agency, “thoroughly test and validate both existing and emerging tools under real-world production conditions,” to provide farmers and ranchers with “trusted, practical insights” they can rely on to make product decisions.

Glyphosate's Fight for Survival

"In the Weeds" Glyphosate News Roundup: March 17, 2206

Editor’s Note: With over 80% of U.S. no-till soybean and corn growers using glyphosate for weed control, this worldwide news roundup deals with concerns about the herbicide’s future use, possible banning, use strategy, new restrictions, health and environmental concerns. Our twice-a-month No-Till Farmer “In the Weeds” series will keep you updated on the latest glyphosate news from around the world. — Frank Lessiter, Editor, No-Till Farmer

By Frank Lessiter posted on March 17, 2026 | Posted in Agriculture Policy & Programs, Crop Protection

In this edition:

The silver bullet that wasn’t: Glyphosate’s declining weed control over 25 years
How Safe Is Glyphosate Chemical Backed by Trump? What the Science Says
Glyphosate resistance is not inevitable: changes you can make
Scientists Say This Potential Carcinogen May Be Lurking in Your Garden

Long-term Studies Indicate ‘The More the Merrier’ in Crop Rotations

Studies spanning 60-years of data show farms are more resilient to the vagaries of markets, policy meddling and weather with more diverse crop rotations.

By Dan Crummett posted on October 9, 2024 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

A recent report from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service has some interesting insights on the benefits of crop rotations, but researchers caution the “long view” is needed to fully capitalize on such improvements.

High Hopes for Lowly Pond Scum

September 2, 2021 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

Source: Agricultural Research Service

Pond scum generally isn't looked upon kindly. But new research shows that inoculating crop soils with microalgae known as cyanobacteria can offer several benefits, including naturally fertilizing the soil, replenishing its store of organic matter and binding soil particles together so that they're less prone to erosion, says the Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

Trials Identify Superior Fava Beans for Cover Cropping in the West

April 30, 2021 | Posted in Cover Crops

Source: USDA

The fava bean is a frost tolerant, saline tolerant, nitrogen-fixing legume that has cool season and warm season varieties, produces abundant biomass and has a stout, erect growth. With a wide spectrum of forms and genetic traits, it can be tricky to find the variety best adapted for a specific area, but recent research from the USDA's Agricultural Research Service is helping to pinpoint the best options for growers in the West.

Mining Manure for Phosphorus

October 21, 2019 | Posted in Nutrient Management

Source: Jan Suszkiw, U.S. Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service

MAPHEX, the shorthand name for a mobile system that removes phosphorus from manure, is steps closer to offering dairy farmers greater flexibility in where, when, and how they use the nutrient to fertilize crops, says the USDA.

Diverse No-Till Cropping Wins Again

USDA researchers in North Dakota say recent studies show benefits to having perennials and annuals in a rotation, and that no-till is the best implementation tool.

By John Dobberstein posted on December 16, 2017 | Posted in Residue Management, Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

The advent of no-till practices has helped many growers in the semi-arid northern Plains conserve soil moisture and increase cropping intensity.

Frankly Speaking

No-Till Should Be Able To Help Growers Maintain Yields With Climate Change Challenges Ahead

By Frank Lessiter posted on May 1, 2014 | Posted in Water Management

In the middle of a very hot and dry summer, such as occurred in many areas during 2013, no-tillers quickly recognize the residue covering the soil is normally cooler and wetter than with soils found in conventionally-tilled fields.

Frank Comments

With Long-Term Hotter Weather Coming, No-Till Should Be Able To Take The Heat And Help Growers Maintain Yields With Anticipated Climate Change Challenges

By Frank Lessiter posted on May 1, 2014

In the middle of a very hot and dry summer, such as occurred in many areas during 2013, no-tillers quickly recognize the residue covering the soil is normally cooler and wetter than with soils found in conventionally-tilled fields. They recognize that reducing stress on their no-tilled crops is a major benefit when summer weather turns hot and dry.

USDA Develops Phosphorus Management Tool

April 25, 2013 | Posted in Water Management

Source: Environmental Leader

A tool developed by USDA scientists can help agribusiness model phosphorus loss in runoff and determine ways to reduce these losses.

Items Tagged with 'Agricultural Research Service'

ARTICLES

USDA Launching ‘Proving Ground’ for Ag Technology

"In the Weeds" Glyphosate News Roundup: March 17, 2206

Long-term Studies Indicate ‘The More the Merrier’ in Crop Rotations

High Hopes for Lowly Pond Scum

Trials Identify Superior Fava Beans for Cover Cropping in the West

Mining Manure for Phosphorus

Diverse No-Till Cropping Wins Again

No-Till Should Be Able To Help Growers Maintain Yields With Climate Change Challenges Ahead

With Long-Term Hotter Weather Coming, No-Till Should Be Able To Take The Heat And Help Growers Maintain Yields With Anticipated Climate Change Challenges

USDA Develops Phosphorus Management Tool

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