Plant & Soil: USDA Finds Cover Crops Can Reduce Nitrate Load Runoff
Using cover crops in between corn and soybean crop production in the Midwest could significantly reduce nitrate load runoff via subsurface drains, according to USDA scientists. This reduction could support national efforts to reduce nitrate loads and protect water quality in the Gulf of Mexico. Excess water laden with nitrates in many Midwestern crop fields drains into subsurface perforated pipes and then flows into surface streams and rivers. The nutrient-rich field drainage reaches the Gulf of Mexico and supports algal blooms that lower water oxygen levels and contribute to developing a devastating “dead zone.” Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists Rob [...]
Plant & Soil Health: American Soybean Association Backs Neonicotinoid Use
In comments submitted to the U.S. EPA, the American Soybean Association (ASA) disagreed with the conclusions of a recent report from the agency that calls into question the efficacy of neonicotinoid seed treatments in soybean operations. In the association’s comments, ASA President and Brownfield, Texas, farmer Wade Cowan pointed out that “…soybean producers use neonicotinoid seed treatments where they are needed and effective, and don’t use them where not.” He also argued that recent research from Mississippi showing approximately 90% adoption of neonicotinoid seed treatments signals that the technology does work for farmers in certain areas. In the comments, [...]
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