Early last year, the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee (SWCC) worked with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University to identify watersheds that would have funding priority for new irrigation systems. Dr. William Puckett, Alabama SWCC executive director, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman contracts have been signed and pivots are being …
Plants That Will Thrive in Dry Soil
Cathy Isom tells you about all the plants that will thrive in dry soil in todays This Land of Ours. If your soil is dry, don’t despair. There are plenty of ways you can improve the ability of your garden to hold moisture. Or, there are plenty of plants you can grow in the meantime that love dry soil, too. …
UF Plant and Soil Diagnostic Labs Essential to Florida Agriculture, Economy During COVID-19
(UF/IFAS) — In the time of COVID-19, plants still get sick, and the soil that nourishes them needs care. The health of plants and soil is critical to agriculture, an industry designated an essential service in response to the pandemic. That’s why, when many American universities have transitioned to online-only and their employees adapt to working from home, scientists at …
Cover Crops Play Vital Role in Soil Conservation
(ACES) — Heavy bouts of rainfall and strong storms created the perfect scenario for Alabama producers to talk about the many benefits of planting cover crops during the winter season. Audrey Gamble, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System soil scientist, said the weather throughout winter months in Alabama has allowed for thought-provoking conversations surrounding use of cover crops and off-season land …
Now Is the Time to Test Soil
By Clint Thompson Farmers need to take soil samples now to ensure essential nutrient levels in their fields. A lack of the right amount of a specific nutrient could cost growers who want to maximize their yields, according to Audrey Gamble, assistant professor and Extension specialist at Auburn University. She said soil testing is one of the easiest ways for …
Indigo Carbon Program Pays Growers for Improving Soil Health
Back in June of this year, Indigo introduced the Terraton Initiative, which is designed to remove one trillion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Noah Walker, head of carbon market development for Indigo,explains how this carbon credit marketplace program works. Walker says the process is pretty simple. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of the Florida …
Mapping Soils in the Florida Everglades
During the South Florida sweltering heat this past August, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Scientists Craig Prink and Martin Figueroa were out collecting soil samples in the Everglades in an effort to build a map that helps land managers understand resource concerns affecting the ecosystem, water quality and wildlife. Martin said, “This is the first digital soil map developed in Florida, on …
World Soil Day is December 5
World Soil Day is December 5, a day that was established to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continues to promote healthy soil for life. Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital …
Things You Shouldn’t Throw into the Compost Bin
Composting is critical to your soil health, and gardening. Cathy Isom has a list of some things you shouldn’t throw into the compost bin. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Composting is a crucial part of having an organic garden, and it’s a smart way to decrease your carbon footprint. You can technically compost almost anything that was …
Italy’s Valagro Breaks-Ground on its First U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Valagro USA, an Italy-based company, held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the beginnings of their first manufacturing facility in the United States. The facility will reside in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The ground-breaking ceremony was well-attended by members of the local community, state representatives and members of the federal government. According to a release following the event, the new U.S. facility, …