New research could help dairy farmers improve forage quality and overall sustainability on their operations.
Dr. Maria Cloutier with the Soil Health Institute, a partner in the Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration Project, says Wisconsin farmers using reduced tillage and grazing are seeing more consistent forage production.
“There is a 7% increase in organic carbon concentration in the low tillage fields, and we see that these grazed pastures have a 13% increase in organic carbon concentration,” she says.
During a recent webinar, Cloutier said implementing various conservation practices can help fields withstand long-term environmental stress.
“After a really intensive rainfall event, the fields that implement the soil health principles, the structure has been maintained, and those roots have access to air, water, and the nutrients that they need.”
Cloutier says the research is designed to help dairy producers improve overall feed efficiency and production.
