From asphalt to ecosystem
Students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison are partnering with ASA, CSSA, and SSSA to transform their asphalt-heavy headquarters in Fitchburg, WI into a science-based model of green infrastructure that better reflects the Societies’ sustainability values. Through hands-on soil testing, spatial mapping, and ecological design, the project is turning stormwater challenges into an opportunity for education, ecosystem restoration, and long-term community impact.
Soil K-bearing minerals: Key sources of plant-available potassium
Potassium in soil exists in forms that plants can use immediately or that are slowly released from minerals, providing an important long-term nutrient source for crops. A study of 322 soils in Japan found that different extraction methods target different mica minerals, showing that soil parent material determines both the amount of slowly available potassium and how it appears in soil tests, improving the ability to estimate long-term soil fertility.
Featured articles
Celebrating membership milestones
We recognize, congratulate, and thank the following members of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA who reached the following milestones over the last year (March 2025 through February 2026): 70, 60, 50, 40, and 30 years of membership. Thank you for your continuing dedication, service, and commitment to excellence.
Video series celebrates Women's History Month
In celebration of Women's History Month, we will feature a series of videos showcasing the impact of women across the sciences—women who are changing the world, one project at a time. Check out the first one in the series.
Recent articles
Down to Earth
Our Down to Earth section publishes food, farming, and environmental concepts and research in language that is easy to understand by all, including those without formal scientific training. Visit us each week as we continue to add more sections and content.
Recent articles
Farm bill approved by the House Agriculture Committee
After more than 20 hours of debate, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 passed out of the House Agriculture Committee with a vote of 34 to 17 in the early hours of Thursday morning (March 5). The bill has a long way to go yet though Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) has indicated that he would like to see the bill on the House floor before Easter.
Crops & Soils magazine seeking a Central/Southern Great Plains Editor
Crops & Soils magazine is seeking a Central/Southern Great Plains Editor to join our board this year. If you are located in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, or New Mexico and are passionate about getting the best research-based practices down to the farm level, this may be a great fit for you!
Plant-based proteins: Good for you and the planet
Plant-based proteins like pulses and legumes offer major health and environmental benefits, but the industry relies on too few crop species and needs greater investment and diversification to meet growing global demand sustainably. Advances in breeding, genetics, and food processing are unlocking opportunities to improve protein quality, reduce anti-nutritional factors, and create better-tasting, affordable products for a more resilient food system.
We want to hear from you
Do you have an article you'd like to submit or feedback for the magazine team? Let us know!
