Plant Nutrition
USDA awards grants to boost U.S. fertilizer production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has received $3 billion in applications from more than 350 independent businesses for the first two rounds of a new grant program to add innovative domestic fertilizer production capacity. The... more »
Richard Smith retires after 37 years with University of California Extension
For four decades, when a new plant disease infected fields of lettuce or a new regulation was issued for agriculture, vegetable farmers across the state turned to Richard Smith for answers. Smith, the University of... more »
Growers learn about adopting regenerative practices
Regenerative agriculture involves growing healthier plants through improving soil health to reduce pest and weed pressures. Participants in the Soilcraft Regenerative Agriculture conference Jan. 16-17 in Pasco, Washington, learned about tools they can use to... more »
Sweet corn makes life green for growers
Sweet corn is one of the most profitable production systems for growers and frequently jumps to the top of the priority list for diverse specialty crop farms. “Sweet corn is a super adaptable direct-seeded or... more »
Biologicals summit focuses on next-gen tools
A new event is designed to raise awareness of biological solutions that are available to fruit and vegetable growers to enhance soil and plant health. The Salinas Biological Summit is set for June 20-21, at... more »
Fertilizer group seeks ‘regulatory certainty’ from Congress
Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) testified Feb. 28 at the House Committee on Agriculture hearing, “Uncertainty, Inflation, Regulations: Challenges for American Agriculture.” “Fertilizer is an essential tool for farmers to... more »
Queen banking could aid beekeepers
Keeping queen bees chilled in indoor refrigeration units can make the practice of “queen banking” — storing excess queens in the spring to supplement hives in the fall — more stable and less labor-intensive. [caption... more »
Balchem introduces biostimulant Metalosate StimPlus
BalChem Plant Nutrition, Montvale, New Jersey, has a new biostimulant on the market. Metalosate StimPlus is designed to increase yields and unlock plants’ potential, according to a news release, and provides them with the ability... more »