Soil Management

Find more information in the Soil Management to Optimize Crop Production in Nebraska section of CropWatch.

Large group of people surround Nathan Mueller during live rainfall simulation
A crowd gathers around the USDA NRCS live rainfall simulator which demonstrates the outcome of different soil health practices, led by Nathan Meuller, USDA NRCS state soil health specialist, at the WCREEC Water, Crops and Soil Health Field Day on Sept. 5. (Photo by Bijesh Maharjan)

Nebraska Soil Health School: An Accomplishment of Goals Through Collaboration

September 25, 2024
The Nebraska Soil Health School successfully hosted its second annual series of programs across the state, educating over 600 stakeholders on innovative soil health practices.

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Tractor disking field

Nebraska Field Experiments Investigate Biochar Impact to Soil Health and Crop Yields

September 10, 2024
UNL researchers are utilizing biochar and cover crops in environmentally sensitive Nebraska soils to identify the conditions under which biochar may benefit temperate regions. 

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Man squats near demo table while speaking
Riley Hackbart, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service soil scientist, discusses the results of the live rainfall simulator at a previous Nebraska Soil Health School event. Hackbart will have the rainfall simulator and soil health demonstrations at the Sept. 4 Nebraska Soil Health School at Fort Robinson State Park. (PREEC photo)

New Focus for September Nebraska Soil Health School

August 7, 2024
The next soil health school will focus on integrated crop and livestock system goals and objectives that might affect soil health management. Attendance is free, and certified crop advisor CEUs will also be offered.

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Lysimeter filled with soil

Nitrogen Sources and Water Quality Field Day

August 6, 2024
This daylong event at Haskell Ag Lab will highlight ongoing research on sensor-based nitrogen management, the use of manure in fertility plans and precision ag, organic and inorganic nitrogen movement in the soil, and more. 

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People stand in field observing woman holding corn plant
Nebraska Extension Educator Jenny Rees (center right, holding corn plant) shares her insights during a past Nebraska Corn and Soybean Clinic. (ENREEC photo)

Nebraska Extension Offers Dual Nebraska Soil Health, Corn and Soybean Clinics on Aug. 28-29

August 6, 2024
At this month's extension clinics on soil health, and corn and soybean production, participants will view a wide range of cover crops and a “growing season” all in one place, with hands-on interaction and field demos.

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Man speaks to audience at front of room
Gary Peterson, Colorado State University professor emeritus, delivered the opening keynote presentation at the Nebraska Soil Health School held at UNL’s High Plains Ag Lab on April 24. Peterson outlined historical events and mismanagement practices that have degraded the Great Plains soil and discussed the how and why the coupling of reduced tillage and cropping intensification can help growers rebuild soil. (Photo by Nicole Heldt)

2024 Nebraska Soil Health School has Successful Launch

May 9, 2024
The first Nebraska Soil Health School of the year was designed to provide potential management practices for producers in the Panhandle, with one focus being the practicalities of growing cover crops in semi-arid regions.

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Soil Health Cycle infographic

UNL Researchers Advance Soil Health Cycle Concept

May 1, 2024
In a new manuscript, UNL researchers outline the soil health cycle — a systematic approach to improving soil management practices that highlights the importance of soil health knowledge and beneficial policies for producers.

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Tractor applying biochar to field
Biochar is a promising soil amendment in the agricultural industry, in growing demand for its ability to store carbon and improve water and nutrient retention in soil. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo)

Great Plains Biochar Conference Set for Sept. 24-26

April 18, 2024
At this new conference, professionals working with biochar in research, education, agricultural application, production, industries, and trade will discuss how to bring biochar to its full potential as a multi-purpose material.

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