Soil Science

Lima bean plants in a field
By Adityarup "Rup" Chakravorty

Lima beans are packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of protein and fiber. They are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Lima bean plants in a field

Lima beans are also good for the environment and farmers. They are effective as cover crops and as green manure.

subsurface tile drain emptying water into a field ditch
By Eric Hamilton

As most kids know, a big pile of mud can be a load of fun.Researcher stands next to a truck-mounted soil probe machine

But not for farmers. Muddy fields mean too much water. And too much water means crops might not grow well.

Researcher holds up apple tree roots to examine
By Rachel Schutte

As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But what’s the key to growing a quality apple?

Apple trees growing in pot containers under a shade tarp.

mature wheat field with sprayer tracks
By Adityarup "Rup" Chakravorty

The United States grows a lot of corn and soybeans. Some researchers think it’s a good idea to add wheat into that mix.

Landscape with soybean fields, corn fields, and wheat fields next to each other

two people pouring water on soil in a field
By Eric Hamilton

Each year, American farmers raise billions of chickens, more than enough for a “chicken for every pot,” as Herbert Hoover’s campaign once promised.

dumptruck dumping compost onto the ground in a field.
By Kaine Korzekwa

In the dry air and soil of Texas’ Southern High Plains, improving soil health can be tough. We usually think of healthy soil as moist and loose with lots of organic matter. But this can be hard to achieve in this arid area of Texas.

dumptruck dumping manure compost onto the ground in a field

plants in pots
By Kaine Korzekwa

When most people hear “food contamination,” they think of bacteria present on unwashed fruits or vegetables, or undercooked meat. However, there are other ways for harmful contaminants to be present in food products.

outdoor rice paddies for research

cattle standing in field
By Eric Hamilton

By late fall, much of the Midwest is a pleasing landscape of dry, harvested corn fields. It makes for a bucolic rural scene on highway drives. But the corn litter that’s left over doesn’t seem useful, at least to untrained eyes.

Mature sorghum plant
By Emily Matzke

Drought stress has been a major roadblock in crop success, and this obstacle will not disappear anytime soon. Luckily, a dynamic duo like Batman and Robin, certain root-associated microbes and the plants they inhabit, are here to help.

sorghum root cells