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Soil Fertility

Tractor spreading black coal char in cattle pen — Coal char is applied to a cattle pen for research. After a snowfall, coal ash-applied pens dried quicker than the control pens, which was beneficial for cattle health.

Coal Char Enhances Manure and Soil Management to Improve Crop Production

April 11, 2024

A byproduct of processing sugarbeets, coal char has the potential to optimize soil nutrients and increase crop yields. In this article, UNL researchers share results of a study on incorporating coal char amendments into corn and dry bean cropland.

The new Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool, which provides critical phosphorus and potassium soil test values, will soon include a research-based phosphorus or potassium rate response information to assist farmers in selecting the minimum fertilizer rate expected to produce maximal crop yield..

Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool to Digitize Crop Nutrient Management Launches Nationwide

April 9, 2024

A significant advancement in soil testing, a new web-based fertilizer decision support tool will potentially save farmers millions of dollars annually while reducing excess nutrient losses to the environment.

Stained wheat root in microscopic image

How Does Soil Life Contribute to Soil Health?

March 28, 2024

How is healthy soil created? In this article, soil health experts explain how plants and soil organisms interact to compose and decompose organic matter, cycle nutrients, and build the structure of soils.

Collage of people attending soil health events in 2023 — In a recent survey conducted by the Soil Health Team, 43% of respondents reported that they have implemented soil health practices influenced by UNL soil health events. (Image by Carolina Córdova)

UNL Soil Health Team Celebrates Year of Success in Advancing Sustainable Agriculture

January 3, 2024

Following eight successful events that stand to impact nearly 13 million acres of U.S. farmland, preparations are underway by the UNL Soil Health Team to deliver more robust sustainable ag research and innovations in 2024.

Collage of soil and plant photos — All UNL Soil Health events include information from projects across the state, either on research or producers’ fields, empowering Nebraska producers with cutting-edge soil health practices.

2024 Nebraska Soil Health Conferences: Beyond the Topsoil

December 14, 2023

The 2024 Soil Health Conferences will take place in West Point and Hastings, offering the latest advancements and research in soil health and cover crop practices.

Researcher kneels in field to gather sample

2024 Soils School to Feature Fundamentals of Soils and Nutrient Management

November 29, 2023

During the two-day school in February, leading experts from the University of Nebraska will present research-based recommendations of primary crop nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Manure application in field — For producers interested in attending both extension workshops on Nov. 30, Saving by Using Manure on Crops will be immediately followed by Confronting Cropping Challenges at the Nielsen Center in West Point.

‘$aving by Using Manure on Crops’ Workshop Scheduled for Nov. 30

November 15, 2023

During this interactive workshop, participants will learn the basics of how to sample manure and soil, including how to determine available nutrients in manure and calculate manure needs for next year's crop.

Southwest Nebraska producer's terraced field — A section of field from a 99-acre plot in southwest Nebraska, which has experienced significant yield decline after terraces were built. In this article, Soil Health Exchange professionals identify some of the potential causes and solutions for low-yielding terraced fields. (Submitted photo)

The Soil Health Exchange: Terrace Effects on Soil Fertility and Yield

November 13, 2023

The Soil Health Exchange team shares insights and potential solutions for a southwest Nebraska farmer who has observed a significant yield decline in a field after terraces were built in 2010.