Agriculture Research
Use Cover Crops, Manure for Best Soil Quality
LEXINGTON, Ky., (Aug. 11, 2011) – Producers looking to build soil structure, and ultimately, soil quality through the use of organic amendment inputs may find success with cover crops or manure, according to the results of a University of Kentucky study.
Shawn Lucas, a PhD student majoring in soil microbiology and soil ecology in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences,found that hairy vetch residue and dairy manure had the greatest impact on soil microbial growth by stimulating greater fungal activity, which promoted greater macro-aggregate formation.