Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Soil”
Agriculture in the American South Agriculture in the southern United States developed quite differently from that in the Midwest or New England. While northern regions focused on diversified farming, smaller plots, and self-sustaining communities, the South evolved around a plantation-based system that defined its economy, society, and land use for generations. Land Ownership and Social Divides In the southern states, …
A Myth of Responsible Farming Many Americans like to believe that early farmers and ranchers were responsible caretakers of the soil—working the land with the same respect and sustainability that define modern agriculture. Today’s producers take pride in soil conservation practices, using science-based management to maintain soil fertility for generations to come. But historical evidence tells a different story. The …
The Dawn of Soil Conservation in Early American Farming In the early years of American settlement, the nation’s farmers often took the vastness of the land for granted. As Mark Oppold explains in this American Agriculture History Minute, early settlers “tended to be careless with the use and care of their soil.” With the seemingly endless frontier before them, many …
Farmers are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve soil health and maximize crop yields year after year. A new product from Chonex, called Strong Soil, is aiming to do just that—by restoring and enhancing soil biology through a natural, manure-derived approach. We spoke with Michael Lynch with Chonex to learn more about the benefits of Strong Soil and how …
Agriculture’s Early Roots in America Agriculture has always been at the heart of America’s growth. Long before tractors, hybrid seeds, or modern irrigation systems, farmers and thinkers were searching for ways to improve yields, preserve soil, and secure the nation’s food supply. While many farm organizations thrive today, the very first to formally promote agriculture in the United States was …
The Forever Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota aims to address one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: keeping soil covered and healthy throughout the year. While the program began with a focus on the Upper Midwest’s shorter growing seasons, co-director Mitch Hunter says its methods can help farmers in other regions as well. “We want to not just find partners …
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, a Senior Agricultural Specialist for AFT, discussed the organization’s efforts and the critical role of healthy soils in agriculture. Founded in 1980, AFT initially focused on protecting farmland through conservation …
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 country, as Americans were used to thinking that there would always be more land for new farms. And by the 1880s, they saw this would not be the case much …
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 more. Sponsored ContentCommitment From Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Members Seeks To Move Research ForwardDecember 5, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Support For Cattle Producers Regardless of Herd SizeNovember 28, 2025Florida …
If your farm runs along an abandoned railroad line, you may be familiar with the issues of trying to reclaim that land. Mark Oppold has the story. Sponsored ContentCommitment From Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Members Seeks To Move Research ForwardDecember 5, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Support For Cattle Producers Regardless of Herd SizeNovember 28, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands …
