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One of the most widely known nematodes to affect crops is the Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN). This nematode is very infectious to soybean crops and has big impacts on crop yields. The geographic range of SCN covers much of the Midwest and southeastern states. Along with protecting crop yields, mitigating potential spread of the species...Read More
In soil analysis for carbon stocks, the actual analysis of the soil core is a crucial step in calculating carbon stocks. A soil’s bulk density determination can be approached one of two ways: simply or comprehensively. Bulk Density Determination Standard Bulk Density Standard or “simplified” bulk density involves a straightforward calculation where the total dry...Read More
Accurate soil carbon testing is essential for participating in carbon stock programs, and the requirements are fairly stringent and straightforward. Proper soil sampling for carbon can be achieved by taking into account depth and frequency as well as probe type and size. Sample Collection Approach: Depth and Frequency When sampling for bulk density, it’s important...Read More
Since the turn of the century, investigating the feasibility of sequestering carbon using soil as a sink has become a prime focus and an essential part of combating climate change. Carbon programs like Verra and BCarbon offer opportunities for landowners to earn “carbon credits” by increasing soil carbon stocks. Understanding carbon stocks is the first...Read More
Carbon is probably one of the most well-known elements today. There is a global emphasis on carbon dioxide emissions and carbon capture. In terms of agriculture, much of this focus has centered on capturing carbon by increasing soil organic matter. Organic matter encompasses all organic materials present in soil (living microorganisms and undecayed residues). Roughly,...Read More
In February 2022, Ward Laboratories, Inc. introduced a new tool to measure soil health. The Soil Health Assessment (SHA) is made up of four analyses. There are two biological, one chemical and one physical measurement to evaluate soil health. Biological The first biological test is the 24-hour CO2 soil respiration measurement. We take 40 grams...Read More
Our recent partnership with GrowingDeer has introduced us to a whole new world outside of traditional agriculture, deer hunting and soil health! I am learning about the relationship between hunting and soil health. Just like most things, you need to take it back to the source. How did this deer get into this place and...Read More
The Total Nutrient Digest (TND) analysis accounts for all minerals from sand, silt, clay and organic minerals in the soil. This total represents the plant available and non-available mineral nutrients. The textbook definition of a soil is that there is about 45% mineral content. Therefore, about 750 tons of all different minerals. The TND analysis...Read More
Over the past year, our soil experts have added the Soil Health Assessment test. Soil health is the overlapping areas of the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil. Previously, the chemical or nutrient status of the soil has been the main focus of soil testing laboratories. Recent addition of biological properties have become...Read More
We have added industry-leading soil microbiome testing to our robust agricultural testing product offerings! Ward Laboratories, Inc. already offers soil health assays including: Soil Health Assessment Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) analysis Water holding capacity Enzymes Wet Aggregate Stability Similarly, through our partnership with Trace Genomics we offer soil microbiome analysis. This analysis allows our customers...Read More
Available Water Holding Capacity (AWC) of soil is the amount of water held in the soil for crop growth and yield. Field capacity is the amount of water a soil will hold against gravity at a water tension of 1/3 atmosphere. Permanent wilting point is the point where plants cannot obtain more water and remain...Read More
There are 5 principles of soil health as defined by the Natural Resources Conservation District. Armor the Soil (keep crop residue on the soil to prevent errosion) Minimal Soil Disturbance (No-Till) Plant Diversity (Grow more than just row crops, consider cover crop mixes) Keep a continual live root in the soil (again cover crops) But...Read More
The Role of BacteriaFeeding soil microbes includes feeding fungi and bacteria present within the soil. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are generally 4/100,000 of an inch wide and long. A teaspoon of healthy soil can contain between 100 million and 1 billion bacteria. Because of their abundance, bacteria play important roles in the way soil...Read More
I’d be willing to wager that if you are reading this blog, you’ve probably submitted either soil, water, feed, or another of the numerous things we test, to Ward Laboratories, INC. Then, once you’ve received your results you’ve probably called in and been able to talk to either Dr. Nick, or Dr. Ray and had...Read More
What is “regen ag?”If the topic of “fungal to bacterial ratios” peaks your interest, it is likely you are interested in regenerative agriculture. We are entering the age of regenerative agriculture (commonly referred to as “regen ag”). This is a time where novel concepts and rationales are being introduced to farmers. Many producers are familiar...Read More
In Early September, I wrote a blog post entitled The Downside of Baled Crop Residue. My previous post focused on cornstalks. After harvest, as I traveled across the state, I have observed we have more harvested crop residue to consider. Baling soybean and wheat residues are poor economic decisions and negatively impact soil health of...Read More
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Western Canada Conference on Soil Health and Grazing on behalf of Ward Laboratories, Inc. If you missed out, the video recordings of the conference will be posted here. The event was packed full of knowledgeable speakers and eager to learn producers. Here are the key messages from...Read More
For many years I have seen producers bale their crop residue, specifically cornstalks and soybean stubble, after harvest. This practice has been driven somewhat by feedlot demand after the advent of distillers co-products from ethanol plants in the early 2000’s. Distillers co-products are high in protein and energy for livestock. Therefore, there is a demand...Read More