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Farmers Can Help Improve Soil Quality

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Announcer:

AN IOWA STATE RESEARCHER SAID THIS WEEK TOPSOIL QUALITY HAS DECLINED ACROSS IOWA.  JOHN MYERS, STATE RESOURCE CONSERVATIONIST WITH USDA’S NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) SAYS FARMERS CAN REVERSE THIS.

microphoneJohn Myers (MP3, 525 KB, 00:33)
(Transcript) "Compaction, erosion and loss of organic matter all can contribute to a decline in soil quality. Farmers can repair much of this soil damage by increasing soil organic matter. They can use no-till to reverse soil compaction and reduce erosion. Leave crop residue on their fields to add organic matter to their soil and improve soil health. By properly apply manure to their land, producers can save money, increase organic matter and improve soil quality and fertility, also."

For other free, soil improving tips, please contact your local NRCS office.     

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The Iowa State University’s News Release titled ISU researcher: Iowa has lower quality topsoil than 50 years ago can be seen at:  http://www.public.iastate.edu/~nscentral/news/2009/feb/veenstra.shtml


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