Soil and Water Conservation Society

Breaking the new crop adoption barrier: USDA risk management tools help farmers confidently add perennial grains to their fields. Read the full article: tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

A new study in Tennessee is uncovering the hidden benefits of cover crops! While we know they’re great for soil and water quality, researchers recently tracked 134 agricultural fields to see how they impact our local bird populations. Read the full study: ow.ly/FO1S50YRNxN

🎉 Happy 20th Anniversary to the Midwest Cover Crops Council! SWCS is proud to partner with MCCC to celebrate 20 years of advancing soil health and water quality across the Midwest. Thank you for being the leader in science-based cover crop resources! 🔗: midwestcovercrops.org

Decades of effort haven't stopped nutrient runoff from being a primary driver of water degradation. To find out why, researchers went straight to the source: the state agency professionals managing these programs. 🔗: doi.org/10.1080/002245…

💧What does 30 years of phosphorus data actually tell us about the future of our lakes? Check out this three-decade study that uncovers how nutrient "legacies" build up and what it means for sustainable water management today. 🔗: doi.org/10.1080/002245…

Can occasional tillage enhance no-till performance? A recent article by Humberto Blanco, published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, reviews our current state of knowledge of occasional tillage impacts. 🔗: doi.org/10.1080/002245…

If supporting the future of conservation is worth $10 to you, that is the donation we're hoping you'll make to the Soil and Water Conservation Society today. Give here: swcs.org/give

Are there approaches to potato farming that can be used to improve soil health and generate better environmental outcomes? Read more: doi.org/10.1080/002245…

SWCS members, help shape our advocacy efforts by completing a short survey by January 30. Your feedback will guide SWCS in identifying key federal funding and policy priorities, improving communication, and planning future workshops and webinars. 🔗 ow.ly/vkRR50XXrrm

🌱 What makes cover crops succeed on real farms? A new citizen science study partnering with farmers across 253 fields in the Great Lakes region reveals powerful insights. ow.ly/i6mh50XXtZ0 #CoverCrops #CitizenScience #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth

Happy New Year! We can't wait to see what we accomplish together in 2026, but we also want to reflect on and celebrate what we've already achieved! Check out the SWCS 2025 Year in Review: ow.ly/S23n50XQP83

Thank YOU! For believing in our mission. For belonging to SWCS. For donating. We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to support our work and our mission. If you haven't donated yet this year and would like to, you can give here: swcs.org/give

How do we design landscapes to support both farming AND nature? Over 20 literature surveys were reviewed to identify ecosystem service models that assess multiple services relevant to crops and livestock. Read the full article: ow.ly/YfGT50XLG3X #ecosystemservices

A study on the effectiveness of prairie strips over time shows they can rapidly improve soil microbial biomass, organic matter, water holding capacity, and aggregate stability. Read article: ow.ly/OS0x50XGxpN #CRP #PrairieStrips #chronosequence #SoilHealth

The Soil and Water Conservation Society is seeking oral presentations, posters, symposia, and workshops for the 81st SWCS International Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, July 26-29, 2026! Submit your presentations here: ow.ly/h6KN50XC3TB

In an article in JSWC’s special issue, “Soil Health and Conservation,” authors highlight how compost and cropping intensity influence #soilhealth in water-limited systems, showing positive relationships between aggregate stability and microbial activity. ow.ly/kXzQ50XxInk

Measuring #soilhealth is often associated with quantitative biophysical methods, but two studies of ranchers and farmers show how soil heath is perceived in terms of economic and social goals as well. Learn more: ow.ly/nliB50Xw3w0 @tandfonline

Out now—a JSWC special issue dedicated to #SoilHealth and #Conservation! Explore the science, stories, and strategies behind building resilient soils and sustainable agricultural systems. ow.ly/lkSu50XvSnJ #AgScience #Sustainability @tandfonline

We love curious farmers — and their conservation questions! In a recent JSWC article, McGill and Brokish share how to respond when someone asks, “Do cover crops increase N2O?” (Spoiler: It depends, but management matters.) Read more: tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

SWCS welcomes back our US federal members and partners—we’ve missed you! Your expertise and encouragement are essential to the farmers you support and the landscapes that depend on thoughtful stewardship. Thank you for all you do to make lasting conservation possible.