Healthy Soil Demands Some TLC
By Ron Smith, Delta Farm Press
Like people, soil functions better when it's healthy. And also like people, without adequate nutrients, water and protection from the elements, soil productivity declines. Forbes Walker, associate professor, biosystems engineering and soil sciences at the University Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, says proper management will improve soil health.
Forbes, in a presentation during the recent virtual Milan No-till Field Day, said farmers have options available to improve soil and increase yield potential. He cited cover crops, reduced tillage and rotation as key factors in improving or maintaining healthy soil.