Dr. Cindy Cambardella - Alternative Strategies for Building Soil Health - PFI 2018 Annual Conference

In this 2018 PFI Short Course presentation, Dr. Cindy Cambardella, USDA-ARS soil scientist at the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, and associate professor of soil science at ISU, explores the environmental impacts of alternative and conventional grain, vegetable and bioenergy cropping systems, including effects on soil organic matter, soil biological activity, nutrient retention, carbon sequestration, water quality and soil health. Topics span a wide range of agricultural management options, such as reduced tillage, extended rotations, cover crops, compost and manure application, organic management and perennial plantings.

[@raurkegoose5233]

I wonder if Dr. Cambardella reads any of the papers coming out of Jena, Germany. Perhaps her view on "not more than 4 species" would change?

[@practicalfarmers]

Hey Raurke - not sure about that. What research are you referring to? Also cropping systems and soils research?

[@mmccrownus2406]

@@practicalfarmers Dr. Christine Jones makes it clear there is a vast improvement when 8+ cover crops are used.