Soil Nutrition

Soil testing program returns to MSU

After a three-month break, Michigan State University Extension is launching a new soil testing program for commercial growers and home gardeners in Michigan. Through a partnership with A&L Great Lakes Laboratories Inc., Michigan residents can purchase soil... more »

Worm force: Vermiculture helps soil, protects crops

Earthworms can rejuvenate soil to create healthy crops. Through earthworms, unhealthy soil can quickly be made healthy, said George Hahn, owner and president of the Worm Gold/California Vermiculture LLC. “Go to a redwood forest or... more »

Salinas Biological Summit seeks ideas from all sides

Among growers who rely on chemical inputs to ensure their crops aren’t lost to voracious insects or overgrown with weeds, it’s not a surprise that they’re not going to be able to rely on those... more »

Mix organic, conventional methods to boost soil health

It is often presumed that organic agricultural management practices cause minimal environmental impact relative to conventional agricultural management practices. Just like any other farming system, organic farming systems have limitations. Over-applicating organic amendments, such as... more »

New approach helps Chill C Farms thwart labor shortages

A southern Georgia grower has found a novel way to help solve his labor headaches. Chill C Farms, a Moultrie, Georgia, grower and shipper of bell peppers, squash, cucumbers, cabbage, eggplant and hot peppers, recruits... more »

Regenerative agriculture: a viable option for large-scale row crop farms?

Regenerative agriculture is one of the buzzwords of the moment and it seems like everyone from grassroot organizations to large corporations are now touting it as the holy grail of farming. But often, interesting concepts... more »

Biobest names biopesticides business development director

Biobest Group, a biological control and pollination products provider, has appointed Lara Ramaekers to the new role of business development director of biopesticides. Ramaekers was global biocontrol portfolio lead... more »

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 »