Although about 20% of Illinois cropping systems are planted to continuous corn, it's nearly impossible to find fields planted this way for decades at a time. Yet long-term experiments like one at the University of Illinois, ...
Cell & Microbiology
Jun 6, 2022
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648
Soil microbes are living, working barometers of soil health. They are responsible for turning atmospheric nitrogen into forms plants can use, and for releasing nitrogen back into the air. Farm management decisions undoubtedly ...
Environment
Jun 17, 2020
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350
Cover crop impacts on soil properties depends on cover crop productivity. Planting cover crops early and in a diverse mix of species could be an option to boost biomass production and enhance benefits to soils. However, the ...
Environment
Apr 2, 2020
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8
Many farmers grow corn and soybean in rotation to avoid the continuous corn yield penalty, but now there's another reason to rotate. Scientists at the University of Illinois have provided further evidence that rotating crops ...
Environment
May 23, 2018
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7
(Phys.org) —After a long battle with corn rootworm, Midwest farmers thought they'd found relief in genetically modified seeds with engineered-in toxins to beat back the best. But recent research confirms what farmers have ...
Ecology
Apr 3, 2014
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0
Fertilizing with inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus definitely improves crop yields, but does it also improve the soil?
Environment
Apr 29, 2013
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0
As escalating corn prices have encouraged many farmers to switch to growing corn continuously, they wonder why they have been seeing unusually high yield reductions over the past several years. The University of Illinois ...
Ecology
Mar 21, 2013
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0
(Phys.org) —Removing corn stover from agricultural fields to produce cellulosic ethanol requires careful management to avoid adding greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion to the environment, say Purdue University researchers.
Environment
Mar 19, 2013
1
0
Organic matter is important for soil health and crop productivity. While an indicator of soil quality, a lot of organic matter is in extremely stable forms, and the nutrients in such forms are difficult for plants to use. ...
Other
Feb 11, 2013
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0
Unless a corn crop is at risk of developing fungal diseases, a Purdue University study shows that farmers would be smart to skip fungicide treatments that promise increased yields.
Ecology
Jun 22, 2011
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