The Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Purdue Extension are teaming up in the local area to inform farmers about improving soil health.
Last year’s weather patterns brought record rainfall to Northern Indiana in June. It was followed by drought conditions in August, making for a difficult growing season. According to Purdue Extension Agricultural Educator Phil Woolery, having healthy soil can help buffer against some of the weather extremes.
“Building soil health through no-till farming and also cover crops can make the soil more resilient so whatever this summer brings can be more resilient and be able to get a crop off the farm ground,” says Woolery.
St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke Counties’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts are teaming-up for the event. Among the topics of discussion planned for the March 22nd Seminar are no-till farming, cover crops, and other methods to improve soil and water quality.
Apart from its resilience, no-till farming allows residue that helps with nutrient circulation, and cover crops lead to reduced soil erosion and compaction.
Purdue Extension says to contact them for those interested in registering.
