The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Sep. 17, at noon CDT will feature Sabrina Ruis, Ph.D., research soil scientist, USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment. Ruis investigates how different soil management practices (cover crops, tillage, organic farming, soil amendments) impact soil health indicators.

In the webinar, “Managing Cover Crops to Achieve High Biomass and Improve Soil Health Indicators,” Ruis will discuss the importance of cover crops in contributing to soil health and the production of biomass. She will also dive into the details of how this important soil management tool must be balanced through the adoption of best management practices to ensure the maximum soil benefits and crop yields can be achieved. Ruis will draw on case studies to demonstrate how different cover crop management strategies impact cover crop biomass production and soil health indicators.

“Understanding how different cover crop management practices affect cover crop biomass production is key to achieving the desired soil health benefits,” said Ruis. “While cover crops can improve soil health, it is important to have a broader understanding of the trade-offs that come with different management strategies. Consistent biomass production is key to ensuring the expected soil health and crop production goals are met.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Up Next: Wednesday, Sep. 24, “From Impact to Improvement: How Mitigation Banking Supports Iowa’s Aquatic Resources,” with Jake Wilson, Shive-Hattery

Oct. 1: Laura Christianson, University of Illinois
Oct. 8: Wendong Zhang, Cornell University