The Light of the Soil News section stands as a guide of innovation and sustainability, illuminating the heart of local stories that delve deep into the earth's well-being. With a passionate focus on soil health, vermicomposting, repurposing, and the broader sphere of agriculture, this segment cultivates a fertile ground for education and inspiration. Spotlighting groundbreaking initiatives and the everyday heroes who champion them, not only nurtures an understanding of our fundamental connection to the soil but also sows seeds of change, encouraging communities to embrace eco-friendly practices. Through engaging narratives and actionable insights, "Light of the Soil News" empowers readers to contribute to a healthier planet, reinforcing the belief that true growth begins from the ground up. Small Step Huge Change.
Global Soil Health Warning by FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has warned that 90% of the Earth’s topsoil is at risk by 2050. To combat soil degradation, FAO ha
Global Soil Health Warning by FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has warned that 90% of the Earth’s topsoil is at risk by 2050. To combat soil degradation, FAO has highlighted five key actions involving civilians, governments, and international institutions. These actions include enhancing soil health through practices like crop rotation and agroforestry and employing digital soil mapping for informed policy-making on soil management.
More than fertilizer for farm fields
by Ava Kian, MinnPost April 17, 2024
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have long wanted to make something out of the millions of gallons of manure produ
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have long wanted to make something out of the millions of gallons of manure produced on the state’s farms.
Roger Ruan and a team of researchers have identified a process that does exactly that. It clears out certain harmful minerals from manure and preserves the ones that will be beneficial — in a way that can potentially benefit farmers and the economy.
The process relies on microbes that digest organic material to produce nitrogen fertilizer and methane gas. It also uses microalgae that extracts nutrients from the manure, which can then be used to produce animal feed and biofuels. The last step involves applying mineral solutions to wastewater to extract pollutants before it is released into the environment.
Wasting valuable nutrients
Minnesota is the second-largest producer of hogs in the United States. On March 1, 2023, there were 8.9 million hogs and pigs on Minnesota farms, according to the USDA.
According to the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, the state has more than 3,000 hog farms. While many farms implement precision manure application, which reduces the amount of waste going into water sources, there are still environmental risks associated with those practices, said Ruan, a professor and the director of the Center for Biorefining at the university.
A 2020 report from the Environmental Working Group, a national organization, found that in 69 of Minnesota’s 72 agricultural counties, nitrogen from manure combined with nitrogen in fertilizer exceeded the recommendations of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the University of Minnesota. The EWG estimated that Minnesota’s feedlots produce an estimated 49 million tons of manure annually from dairy cows, beef cows, turkeys, hogs and chickens.
Traditional methods of manure management involve applying manure as fertilizer and using ponds or water bodies for storage. But that manure application many times wastes valuable nutrients, Ruan said, and can result in nutrients like nitrogen running off into water.
Farmers view manure as a commodity and don’t want it to go to waste, said Jay Moore, a brand strategist for Bioverse Healthy Farms, a company that sells environmental products to hog farmers and dairy farmers.
For years, farmers have used manure generated from either their farms or other farms instead of commercial fertilizer. “Manure is a valuable commodity to the farmers in Minnesota,” he said.
Moore estimated that a barn that holds 1,000 animals would generate anywhere from 300,000 to 350,000 gallons of manure a year. He previously worked at New Fashion Pork, a company that owns hog facilities and feed mills in Minnesota, Iowa, Wyoming, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Each year, New Fashion Pork applies around 60 million gallons of manure to the land, he estimated.
But as more farmers implement no-till farming — a process that involves strategically placing manure in rows using a GPS — they are using much less manure.
“You share with the farmers, sell it to your neighbors, which is a positive thing because, environmentally, you’re using less and producing a better yield,” Moore said. “In the spring, you're going to come back to those exact GPS coordinates and put your kernel of corn or soybean or whatever you're planting right where you injected that manure.”
Hog manure tends to have more nitrogen than carbon. Because of that, the manure needs to go through some sort of carbon-nitrogen adjustment. The methane gas in the manure can then be removed from the manure, and that gas can be pressurized to become renewable natural gas.
“Right now there's a lot of interest in that because it is considered as a low-carbon fuel,” Ruan said.
California, for example, incentivizes the use of low-carbon fuel gasses, having implemented a credit for companies that use them in 2011.
Ruan said many farms in Minnesota already convert manure methane into natural gas and sell it to companies in California. That process, known as “methane digesting,” is more common in the dairy industry than the pork industry because of the makeup of hog manure and because hog barns are often spread across larger areas, making it harder to “feed” the digester.
The university’s research has found ways to condition the nutrients in manure to produce algae and to help grow hydroponic plants, which could serve as feed for animals or go directly to people, Ruan said.
This pilot algae production system uses the AD treated animal waste water for the algae cultivation.
The process they’ve identified uses many of the nutrients to create something else of value.
“This way you can produce a lot of different products at the same time,” he said. “You can produce all these fertilizers, and you can produce methane, use the remaining wastewater to grow algae, which can be used as feedstock. And you can also use the remaining conditioned wastewater to grow hydroponic plants.”
A side benefit, he said, is that this process also prevents the spread of viruses that sometimes will be spread through manure.
Lowering the cost
Ruan is encouraged by the market for renewable natural gas — one of the byproducts of this process. Right now, the cost is high because the process is labor-intensive. But with the help of robotics and sensors, he said it could be improved.
Research is ready to be on a larger scale, Ruan said. Researchers need to find a site for a larger demonstration to showcase that it is operational and also profitable. They’re currently looking for commercial partners and funding to start.
A similar process is possible for manure from other animals, although it would need to be slightly adjusted, Ruan said.
He has applied for grant funding through the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. That body received 214 proposals requesting approximately $183 million — although it has $90 million available to give to projects.
Ruan will have a better idea this summer whether his proposals will be chosen. The commission will present the proposal to the Legislature for money from the state’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
This article first appeared on MinnPost and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Microorganisms and Soil Health: The Illinois Extension emphasizes the role of soil microorganisms in ecosystem functions such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Practices like vertical mulc
Microorganisms and Soil Health: The Illinois Extension emphasizes the role of soil microorganisms in ecosystem functions such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Practices like vertical mulching can introduce beneficial biota like mycorrhizae into the soil, enhancing soil structure and health. While more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these inoculations in urban environments, they represent a promising approach to preserving and improving soil health.
Vertical mulching is a super cool technique used to help improve soil aeration and drainage, particularly around trees and shrubs. Imagine it like giving your soil a little spa treatment, where instead of using standard mulch on top, you're going deep! You drill narrow holes (usually around 2 to 4 inches wide) in the soil around the plant, often in a grid pattern, and fill these holes with organic material. This could be compost, aged manure, or other organic matter. It's like acupuncture for the earth, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively.
Now, let's talk about how "Light of the Soil" worm castings and compost teas can be superstars in this process. Worm castings are essentially worm poop (but in a good way!), and they're gold for your garden. They're packed with nutrients, beneficial microbes, and enzymes that can help improve soil structure and plant health. When you use worm castings in vertical mulching, you're directly inserting this plant-loving goodness into the soil where roots can access it more easily. Compost tea, on the other hand, is like a liquid feast for your plants. It's made by steeping compost in water, which extracts a rich brew of beneficial microbes and nutrients. Spraying or drenching your soil with compost tea can introduce those helpful organisms deep into the soil, promoting healthier soil biology, aiding in nutrient absorption, and even helping fight off soil-borne diseases.
In summary, vertical mulching with "Light of the Soil" worm castings and using compost teas can: Improve soil aeration and drainage, making it easier for roots to grow.
Introduce a concentrated dose of nutrients and beneficial microbes directly to the root zone, boosting plant health and resilience.
Enhance the soil's ability to retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Support a healthier soil ecosystem, which is the foundation of a thriving garden.
It's like giving your garden a supercharge of everything it needs to be its best self. Plus, it's a natural, sustainable approach to gardening that supports the cycle of growth and renewal. Small step HUGE change.
Evanston Soil Carbon Discovery - Audio
In the bustling city of Evanston, Illinois, a groundbreaking discovery is unfolding, one that highlights an often overlooked yet pivotal ally in the globa
In the bustling city of Evanston, Illinois, a groundbreaking discovery is unfolding, one that highlights an often overlooked yet pivotal ally in the global fight against climate change: soil. Far from being mere dirt beneath our feet, soil emerges as a critical environmental savior, filtering water, nurturing plants, and astonishingly, trapping a whopping 10 times more carbon than the Earth's atmosphere.
This revelation comes from pioneering research conducted by scientists at Northwestern University, who are delving deep into the mechanisms of how soil stores carbon. Such insights are not only vital for advancing climate solutions in the Chicago area but have the potential to impact global strategies against climate change.
The significance of soil in carbon absorption cannot be overstated. According to Climate Central, soil's role in sponging up excess carbon from human fossil fuel emissions is a natural process that mitigates the extent of global warming. This basic, yet profoundly complex element of our ecosystem, becomes a subject of intense scrutiny and appreciation under the microscope at Northwestern University's labs. Ludmilla Aristilde, leading a research team focused on environmental organic processes, emphasizes the importance of referring to this material as 'soil' rather than 'dirt,' highlighting its invaluable role in sustaining life on Earth.
Aristilde's research sheds light on soil as a major carbon reservoir, exploring the intricacies of how soil traps plant-based carbon, thereby preventing it from contributing to atmospheric CO2 levels. The team's comprehensive study, supported by the National Science Foundation, reveals the interactions between organic carbon biomolecules and clay minerals known for ensnaring organic matter. Factors such as electrostatic charges, the structural features of carbon molecules, the presence of metals, and molecular competition play crucial roles in determining whether carbon is sequestered in the soil or released back into the atmosphere.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. Aristilde, drawing inspiration from her childhood in Haiti and her father's farming background, believes that the findings will have global relevance, offering insights that could guide agricultural practices and soil management worldwide. By identifying which soil chemistries are most effective at trapping carbon, scientists can contribute to developing strategies that not only slow human-caused climate change but also enhance the health and resilience of our planet's ecosystems.
Looking ahead, Aristilde and her team are committed to exploring natural and engineering solutions to climate change, advocating for nature-based approaches that leverage the inherent capabilities of ecosystems like soil. This research underscores the necessity of understanding the "inside of the machine" – in this case, the complex interactions within soil – to devise effective strategies for mitigating climate change and safeguarding our environmental future.
Groundbreaking discovery in soil research for climate change mitigation in Evanston, Illinois. It illustrates the contrast between the urban environment and the life-sustaining properties of soil, with scientists from Northwestern University examining soil samples.
Global Soil Health Warning by FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has warned that 90% of the Earth’s topsoil is at risk by 2050. To combat soil degradation, FAO ha
Global Soil Health Warning by FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has warned that 90% of the Earth’s topsoil is at risk by 2050. To combat soil degradation, FAO has highlighted five key actions involving civilians, governments, and international institutions. These actions include enhancing soil health through practices like crop rotation and agroforestry and employing digital soil mapping for informed policy-making on soil management.
More than fertilizer for farm fields
by Ava Kian, MinnPost April 17, 2024
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have long wanted to make something out of the millions of gallons of manure produ
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have long wanted to make something out of the millions of gallons of manure produced on the state’s farms.
Roger Ruan and a team of researchers have identified a process that does exactly that. It clears out certain harmful minerals from manure and preserves the ones that will be beneficial — in a way that can potentially benefit farmers and the economy.
The process relies on microbes that digest organic material to produce nitrogen fertilizer and methane gas. It also uses microalgae that extracts nutrients from the manure, which can then be used to produce animal feed and biofuels. The last step involves applying mineral solutions to wastewater to extract pollutants before it is released into the environment.
Wasting valuable nutrients
Minnesota is the second-largest producer of hogs in the United States. On March 1, 2023, there were 8.9 million hogs and pigs on Minnesota farms, according to the USDA.
According to the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, the state has more than 3,000 hog farms. While many farms implement precision manure application, which reduces the amount of waste going into water sources, there are still environmental risks associated with those practices, said Ruan, a professor and the director of the Center for Biorefining at the university.
A 2020 report from the Environmental Working Group, a national organization, found that in 69 of Minnesota’s 72 agricultural counties, nitrogen from manure combined with nitrogen in fertilizer exceeded the recommendations of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the University of Minnesota. The EWG estimated that Minnesota’s feedlots produce an estimated 49 million tons of manure annually from dairy cows, beef cows, turkeys, hogs and chickens.
Traditional methods of manure management involve applying manure as fertilizer and using ponds or water bodies for storage. But that manure application many times wastes valuable nutrients, Ruan said, and can result in nutrients like nitrogen running off into water.
Farmers view manure as a commodity and don’t want it to go to waste, said Jay Moore, a brand strategist for Bioverse Healthy Farms, a company that sells environmental products to hog farmers and dairy farmers.
For years, farmers have used manure generated from either their farms or other farms instead of commercial fertilizer. “Manure is a valuable commodity to the farmers in Minnesota,” he said.
Moore estimated that a barn that holds 1,000 animals would generate anywhere from 300,000 to 350,000 gallons of manure a year. He previously worked at New Fashion Pork, a company that owns hog facilities and feed mills in Minnesota, Iowa, Wyoming, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Each year, New Fashion Pork applies around 60 million gallons of manure to the land, he estimated.
But as more farmers implement no-till farming — a process that involves strategically placing manure in rows using a GPS — they are using much less manure.
“You share with the farmers, sell it to your neighbors, which is a positive thing because, environmentally, you’re using less and producing a better yield,” Moore said. “In the spring, you're going to come back to those exact GPS coordinates and put your kernel of corn or soybean or whatever you're planting right where you injected that manure.”
Hog manure tends to have more nitrogen than carbon. Because of that, the manure needs to go through some sort of carbon-nitrogen adjustment. The methane gas in the manure can then be removed from the manure, and that gas can be pressurized to become renewable natural gas.
“Right now there's a lot of interest in that because it is considered as a low-carbon fuel,” Ruan said.
California, for example, incentivizes the use of low-carbon fuel gasses, having implemented a credit for companies that use them in 2011.
Ruan said many farms in Minnesota already convert manure methane into natural gas and sell it to companies in California. That process, known as “methane digesting,” is more common in the dairy industry than the pork industry because of the makeup of hog manure and because hog barns are often spread across larger areas, making it harder to “feed” the digester.
The university’s research has found ways to condition the nutrients in manure to produce algae and to help grow hydroponic plants, which could serve as feed for animals or go directly to people, Ruan said.
This pilot algae production system uses the AD treated animal waste water for the algae cultivation.
The process they’ve identified uses many of the nutrients to create something else of value.
“This way you can produce a lot of different products at the same time,” he said. “You can produce all these fertilizers, and you can produce methane, use the remaining wastewater to grow algae, which can be used as feedstock. And you can also use the remaining conditioned wastewater to grow hydroponic plants.”
A side benefit, he said, is that this process also prevents the spread of viruses that sometimes will be spread through manure.
Lowering the cost
Ruan is encouraged by the market for renewable natural gas — one of the byproducts of this process. Right now, the cost is high because the process is labor-intensive. But with the help of robotics and sensors, he said it could be improved.
Research is ready to be on a larger scale, Ruan said. Researchers need to find a site for a larger demonstration to showcase that it is operational and also profitable. They’re currently looking for commercial partners and funding to start.
A similar process is possible for manure from other animals, although it would need to be slightly adjusted, Ruan said.
He has applied for grant funding through the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. That body received 214 proposals requesting approximately $183 million — although it has $90 million available to give to projects.
Ruan will have a better idea this summer whether his proposals will be chosen. The commission will present the proposal to the Legislature for money from the state’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
This article first appeared on MinnPost and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Microorganisms and Soil Health: The Illinois Extension emphasizes the role of soil microorganisms in ecosystem functions such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Practices like vertical mulc
Microorganisms and Soil Health: The Illinois Extension emphasizes the role of soil microorganisms in ecosystem functions such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Practices like vertical mulching can introduce beneficial biota like mycorrhizae into the soil, enhancing soil structure and health. While more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these inoculations in urban environments, they represent a promising approach to preserving and improving soil health.
Vertical mulching is a super cool technique used to help improve soil aeration and drainage, particularly around trees and shrubs. Imagine it like giving your soil a little spa treatment, where instead of using standard mulch on top, you're going deep! You drill narrow holes (usually around 2 to 4 inches wide) in the soil around the plant, often in a grid pattern, and fill these holes with organic material. This could be compost, aged manure, or other organic matter. It's like acupuncture for the earth, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively.
Now, let's talk about how "Light of the Soil" worm castings and compost teas can be superstars in this process. Worm castings are essentially worm poop (but in a good way!), and they're gold for your garden. They're packed with nutrients, beneficial microbes, and enzymes that can help improve soil structure and plant health. When you use worm castings in vertical mulching, you're directly inserting this plant-loving goodness into the soil where roots can access it more easily. Compost tea, on the other hand, is like a liquid feast for your plants. It's made by steeping compost in water, which extracts a rich brew of beneficial microbes and nutrients. Spraying or drenching your soil with compost tea can introduce those helpful organisms deep into the soil, promoting healthier soil biology, aiding in nutrient absorption, and even helping fight off soil-borne diseases.
In summary, vertical mulching with "Light of the Soil" worm castings and using compost teas can: Improve soil aeration and drainage, making it easier for roots to grow.
Introduce a concentrated dose of nutrients and beneficial microbes directly to the root zone, boosting plant health and resilience.
Enhance the soil's ability to retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Support a healthier soil ecosystem, which is the foundation of a thriving garden.
It's like giving your garden a supercharge of everything it needs to be its best self. Plus, it's a natural, sustainable approach to gardening that supports the cycle of growth and renewal. Small step HUGE change.
Evanston Soil Carbon Discovery - Audio
In the bustling city of Evanston, Illinois, a groundbreaking discovery is unfolding, one that highlights an often overlooked yet pivotal ally in the globa
In the bustling city of Evanston, Illinois, a groundbreaking discovery is unfolding, one that highlights an often overlooked yet pivotal ally in the global fight against climate change: soil. Far from being mere dirt beneath our feet, soil emerges as a critical environmental savior, filtering water, nurturing plants, and astonishingly, trapping a whopping 10 times more carbon than the Earth's atmosphere.
This revelation comes from pioneering research conducted by scientists at Northwestern University, who are delving deep into the mechanisms of how soil stores carbon. Such insights are not only vital for advancing climate solutions in the Chicago area but have the potential to impact global strategies against climate change.
The significance of soil in carbon absorption cannot be overstated. According to Climate Central, soil's role in sponging up excess carbon from human fossil fuel emissions is a natural process that mitigates the extent of global warming. This basic, yet profoundly complex element of our ecosystem, becomes a subject of intense scrutiny and appreciation under the microscope at Northwestern University's labs. Ludmilla Aristilde, leading a research team focused on environmental organic processes, emphasizes the importance of referring to this material as 'soil' rather than 'dirt,' highlighting its invaluable role in sustaining life on Earth.
Aristilde's research sheds light on soil as a major carbon reservoir, exploring the intricacies of how soil traps plant-based carbon, thereby preventing it from contributing to atmospheric CO2 levels. The team's comprehensive study, supported by the National Science Foundation, reveals the interactions between organic carbon biomolecules and clay minerals known for ensnaring organic matter. Factors such as electrostatic charges, the structural features of carbon molecules, the presence of metals, and molecular competition play crucial roles in determining whether carbon is sequestered in the soil or released back into the atmosphere.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. Aristilde, drawing inspiration from her childhood in Haiti and her father's farming background, believes that the findings will have global relevance, offering insights that could guide agricultural practices and soil management worldwide. By identifying which soil chemistries are most effective at trapping carbon, scientists can contribute to developing strategies that not only slow human-caused climate change but also enhance the health and resilience of our planet's ecosystems.
Looking ahead, Aristilde and her team are committed to exploring natural and engineering solutions to climate change, advocating for nature-based approaches that leverage the inherent capabilities of ecosystems like soil. This research underscores the necessity of understanding the "inside of the machine" – in this case, the complex interactions within soil – to devise effective strategies for mitigating climate change and safeguarding our environmental future.
Groundbreaking discovery in soil research for climate change mitigation in Evanston, Illinois. It illustrates the contrast between the urban environment and the life-sustaining properties of soil, with scientists from Northwestern University examining soil samples.
Announcement: Calling All Growers, Farmers, and Soil Stewards in Kane and DuPage County
Light of the Soil News – Attention all dedicated growers, farmers, and individuals passionately involved with soil management in Kane and DuPage County! We at Light of the Soil News are on a mission to illuminate the stories and efforts of those who cultivate our earth with care and commitment to sustainability. Are you pioneering innovative farming techniques that prioritize soil health? Have you embraced practices that support the vibrant ecosystem beneath our feet? Or perhaps you're involved in research or initiatives aimed at enhancing soil fertility and productivity? If so, we want to hear from you!
Your Work Deserves Recognition We believe that the work you do is not just essential for our community's food security and environmental health but also serves as an inspiration for sustainable practices worldwide. Light of the Soil News is dedicated to showcasing the efforts and achievements of those at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and soil stewardship.
A Platform for Your Story We invite you to reach out to us for a chance to have your organization, farm, or project featured in an upcoming article. This is a unique opportunity to share your story, challenges, successes, and insights with a wider audience passionate about soil health and sustainable agriculture.
How to Inquire If you're in Kane and DuPage County and your work involves growing or soil in any capacity, we encourage you to get in touch. Please send us an inquiry with a brief overview of your organization or project, the sustainable practices you employ, and any notable impacts or outcomes you've observed. Your contribution could be the next highlight in our publication, serving as valuable inspiration and knowledge for our readership and beyond.
Contact Us Ready to share your story with the world? Please contact us at admin@lightofthesoil.com or 630.439.7966 and let's prepare to shine a light on your invaluable work within our community. Together, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the critical role of soil health in our lives and for future generations. Light of the Soil News – Where your roots in sustainability are acknowledged, celebrated, and shared. Join us in spreading the word about the importance of soil health and sustainable practices in Kane and DuPage County.
