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Soil

Blog Posts

sunset shining through snowy forest
Read article: Are cold temperatures good for soil quality?
Are cold temperatures good for soil quality?
Cold winter air is one reason that we have highly productive soil in Illinois and the Midwest. Temperature plays a major role in how much organic...
A trowel stuck in the soil.
Read article: Garden soil testing: Essential steps for healthier plants
Garden soil testing: Essential steps for healthier plants
As the gardening season winds down, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year and look toward the future.  Soil tests are a great way to put...
Combine harvesting corn
Read article: The agronomics of N, P, & K
The agronomics of N, P, & K
As harvest wraps up, many farmers are turning their attention to fall fertilizer applications. Managing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (...
Farmers talking during a panel discussion in Knox County.
Read article: Edge-of-field considerations: A farmer perspective
Edge-of-field considerations: A farmer perspective
Edge-of-field practices help reduce nutrient loss, improve wildlife habitats, and support long-term farm sustainability. A farmer panel hosted in...

News Releases

Water flooding and rushing through a drainage system in a farm field.
Explore integrated water management with Illinois Extension workshop
URBANA, Ill. — In times of changing environmental conditions, unmanaged drainage water with a lack of soil conservation practices can impact farm profitability and sustainability of agricultural operations. Understanding management options starts with knowing what’s happening out in the fields...

Videos

Vermicomposting - Turning Leftovers into Soil

When we are asked to describe an ocean, forest, desert, or even our backyard we can give a pretty clear description about what one might find there. When asked what is under the ground, we tend to be unsure and it becomes clear how little we know about what is below our own backyards. Worms come...

School and Community Gardens Learning Module

Bring the garden into the schoolyard with our online School and Community Gardens Self-Paced Learning Modules. A school garden can be many things, from a pollinator garden, to a sensory garden, or a bulb garden. Our online learning modules focus on vegetable gardening while we take you on a...

Staff

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John Jones

Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Soil Fertility Extension Specialist