The AIM Initiative’s Post

Farm Progress brings us this story from out West, where ranchers are collecting data on how cover crops can rejuvenate hayfields and help with water infiltration.   “The goal of our study was to take a deteriorated hayfield, terminate it with tillage or chemicals, plant a year or two of cover crops, and see if we observed any of the benefits cover crops are commonly reported to provide.”   The Agroecology + Innovation Matters initiative thanks all you resilient producers who are putting in the extra effort to build healthier soil, reduce nutrient runoff and erosion, conserve natural resources, and sequester carbon.   https://lnkd.in/gpqYhZ_R #AIMillinois #TakeAIM #conservation #illinoisagriculture #sustainablefarming #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativefarming #regenerativefarm #agvocacy #agriculture #farmer #illinois #farmersofillinois #sustainability #covercrops #soilhealth #farming #farm #agriculturelife #conservationchampions

In this guide, the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund explores the benefits of planting cereal rye ahead of corn, with management tips ranging from nitrogen dynamics to allelopathic effects.   SWOF provides financial incentives directly to farmers who transition to on-farm conservation practices that yield positive environmental outcomes like carbon sequestration and water quality improvement. They provide new market opportunities and revenue streams for farmers by selling these environmental outcomes to public and private beneficiaries to meet regulatory and voluntary sustainability goals.   Agroecology + Innovation Matters thanks all groups helping make waterways cleaner and working with farmers to mitigate runoff, improve soil health, and create a healthier farm economy.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/eirpmHRP   cc: Brogan Schanz #AIMillinois #TakeAIM #conservation #illinoisagriculture #sustainablefarming #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativefarming #regenerativefarm #agvocacy #agriculture #farmer #illinois #farmersofillinois #sustainability #covercrops #soilhealth #farming #farm #agriculturelife #conservationchampions

Cover crops benefits may outweigh water-use in California Cover crops are planted to protect and improve the soil between annual crops such as tomatoes or between rows of tree and vine crops, but growers may be concerned about the water use of these plants that don’t generate income. Potential benefits are especially salient in the San Joaquin Valley, where groundwater challenges are more acute. https://ow.ly/ZxGE50SbjaX #AgWater #CoverCrops #CaliforniaAg

Crop rotation plays an important role in regenerative agriculture. It improves #soil health, increases biodiversity, and reduces the need for #agrochemicals . By changing the types of crops grown in the field, it naturally fights off pests and diseases, makes nutrients more available, and makes the #farm more resilient. This practice highlights how sustainable farming can be good for both the environment and crop yields. Click to read the article. #farming #regenerativeagriculture #sustainableagriculture

Integrating soybeans with cover crops like cereal rye is a powerful strategy for erosion control. The dense biomass from cereal rye protects the soil surface, reducing erosion by slowing down water runoff and holding the soil in place. This sustainable practice not only curbs soil loss but also enriches the soil, promoting healthier and more resilient crops. https://ow.ly/4wxa50SeRCn #ErosionControl #SustainableFarming #SoilHealth #CoverCrops #BiomassProtection #SustainableAgriculture

Cover crops improve soil health, lower soil temperature, attract beneficial insects and offer big potential for water savings. For every 1% increase in soil organic matter, you can hold another 20,000 to 25,000 gallons of water per acre. 🌱 🐝 According to a recent report, farming accounts for up to 40% of California's water use annually, and only 5% of the state's arable land is farmed using practices like cover cropping. It doesn't matter whether farms are organic, regenerative or conventional – keeping the soil covered at scale would have a huge impact on water savings and soil health. Read more in AgAlert. 📰 #BurroughsFamilyFarms #CoverCrops #RegenerativeAgriculture #RegenerativeFarming #KeepTheSoilCovered #SoilHealth #AskMeAboutMyNuts #FarmLikeTheWorldDependsOnIt

Tips for Maintaining Soil Health When it comes to agriculture and farming, the health of the soil is paramount. After all, healthy soil leads to healthy crops, which in turn leads to healthy farms and communities. #farming #agriculture

Maximise your farming success this spring with these essential tasks for May! 🌱 From soil preparation to early planting strategies, each task sets the stage for a bountiful harvest. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eHBnraZi. 🌧️ Watch out for the impact of April showers on agricultural activities - plan ahead for waterlogged fields! 🌱 Focus on soil prep tasks: ploughing, tilling, and harrowing for healthy roots and crop growth. 💧 Test soil and manage nutrients for optimal plant growth and higher yields. 🌿 Implement crop rotation to maintain soil health and reduce pests and diseases. 🐛 Stay ahead of weeds and pests with timely cultivation and integrated pest management techniques. 💡 Apply fertilisers strategically for healthy crop growth and consider greenhouse management for seedlings. 🌐 Embrace technology for data-driven farming practices and tap into government support for guidance and initiatives. Don't miss out on these key tips for a prosperous farming season ahead! #FarmingTips #MayTasks #AgricultureUK #FarmersUK #SpringFarming #Quadcrate

Cover Crops for Soil Health: How Holganix Accelerates Key Benefits and Unlocks Financial Incentives for Farmers https://hubs.li/Q02Gb3Rk0

Are you part of the 6-9% of farms in Illinois that are utilizing cover crops? If not, it might be time to consider the benefits that cover crops can bring to your operation. Not only do cover crops help with nutrient retention, erosion control, and weed pressure, but there are also programs available to help offset some of the costs associated with implementing cover crops. Check out this article from Successful Farming for information on different cover crop species options and programs that can help minimize the financial burden: https://hubs.ly/Q02tXlHB0 If you're interested in learning more about these programs or discussing the benefits of cover crops, feel free to reach out. We're here to help connect you with the resources you need to improve your soil health and overall farm sustainability. #covercrop #soilhealth #regenag