Climate Smart Seedling Production Network (CSSPN)
The forests of northern Minnesota are suffering decline due to several factors attributed at least in part to a rapidly changing climate. The Climate Smart Seedling Production Network (CSSPN) is being built-out through a USDA Climate Smart Commodities Grant managed by The Nature Conservancy and several sub-awardee partners, including Sustainable Farming Association. The goal of…
Read MoreBiochar as a Soil Amendment in Minnesota: Findings from Literature and Interviews
Biochar, a stable carbon created via pyrolysis (heating without the presence of oxygen), can be produced from the massive amounts of woody debris generated by tree removal and trimming, brush removal, woodlands management, and storm damage. Biomass that is currently burned or left to decompose releases most of the carbon back into the atmosphere. Conversion…
Read MorePastured Pork Fact Sheet
Click here to download a printable version of this fact sheet. Why Consider Pigs? Worldwide, pork is the most widely consumed meat. Pork is a highly efficient and cost-effective protein to produce. When compared with livestock such as cattle, pigs have a much shorter finishing time which allows your initial investment to be paid back much…
Read MoreLa Vie en Rows, Phase 4: “Keep Living Roots in the Soil”
Growing in a covered space seems to be a trend for many local vegetable growers and there is good reason in our northern climate. To help measure the soil health both inside and outside of a caterpillar tunnel, farmers can use a soil health report card with four easy soil health tests. Download the PDF
Read MoreLa Vie en Rows, Phase 3: “Increase Crop Diversity”
Growing in a covered space seems to be a trend for many local vegetable growers and there is good reason in our northern climate. To help measure the soil health both inside and outside of a caterpillar tunnel, farmers can use a soil health report card with four easy soil health tests. Download the PDF
Read MoreLa Vie en Rows, Phase 2: “Minimize Soil Disturbance”
Growing in a covered space seems to be a trend for many local vegetable growers and there is good reason in our northern climate. To help measure the soil health both inside and outside of a caterpillar tunnel, farmers can use a soil health report card with four easy soil health tests. Download the PDF
Read MoreLa Vie en Rows, Phase 1: “Keep the Soil Covered”
Growing in a covered space seems to be a trend for many local vegetable growers and there is good reason in our northern climate. To help measure the soil health both inside and outside of a caterpillar tunnel, farmers can use a soil health report card with four easy soil health tests. Download the PDF
Read MoreSoil Health Report Card
Part of the Soil Health Test Kit Download the PDF
Read MoreSoil Health Test Kit Directions
If you would like to get better acquainted with your soil you can do some simple tests at home to gain insight into soil structure and biological properties. Download the PDF
Read MoreSoil Health Techniques for Small-Scale Producers
Smaller acreage producers have different needs and circumstances, but with the help of some accessible tools can incorporate the fundamentals of soil health into their farming activities. Download the PDF
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