Scientists have unlocked a new ingredient to help improve soil health

A good crop starts with healthy soil, and one company is turning its attention to a unique ingredient for answers.

“We take soil samples, isolate certain strains of algae, and then use that to help generate activity in the soil through feeding the microbiome. The algae serve as kind of the basic building block of the food chain if you will. And we see changes from, you know, biological, physical, and chemical changes in the soil, talking about things like enhancing soil health, improving soil fertility, looking at soil structural changes,” said Dave Booher.

Booher says the end goal is to improve soil and plant health while increasing productivity.

Related Stories
With new renewable volume obligations announced this year, the Iowa Soybean Association says they’ll be vital to a farmer’s bottom line.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture revealed a more than 30% decrease in U.S. dairy farms since 2017. The shrinking industry is now uniting to advocate for itself while also adopting technology to reduce operational strain.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rising cow numbers and higher yields are boosting milk supplies, which may keep pressure on prices and farm margins into the fall.
As input costs continue to rise, diesel prices have held steady in recent weeks, according to energy analysts at GasBuddy.
The USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.
Farm legal and taxation expert Roger McEowen explains the IRS’s shift to electronic payments and disbursements, and what it means for upcoming tax filings.
Estate tax relief reduces pressure, but succession planning remains the critical challenge for farm families.
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.