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.
Request for proposals: 2026 National Indicators Report Biodiversity Chapter
Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture is requesting proposals for expert authors to develop the biodiversity chapter of its 2026 National Indicators Report, which evaluates environmental outcomes across U.S. commodity agriculture. The selected researchers will conduct a comprehensive scientific review of biodiversity trends and impacts related to crop production and assess a proposed new biodiversity metric with proposals due Mar. 20, 2026.
Featured 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!
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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
Soil riddles: March 2026
Think you know soils? Test your knowledge in our new series, “Soil Riddles.”
If you are the first to guess the correct soil series name and its geographical location, we’ll publish your name along with the answer in an upcoming issue.
President’s pick: SSSA research March 2026
Each month, SSSA President Aaron Daigh picks one or two articles among the SSSA journals that represent some of the most exciting, creative, and innovative research in the field of soil science. Check out his pick for this month!
Nitrogen application for optimized corn yield in the USA
Present status, challenges and prospects
Effective application of nitrogen (N) is crucial in corn production to overcome current environmental, economic, and crop-yield-related issues. Adoption of site-specific cropping systems, precision agriculture, and collaboration with economists, extension specialists, and policymakers can assist in creating a climate-resilient and N-efficient production structure. For this, we need to understand the present status of the corn and N relationship, address the relevant challenges, and develop a corn system with better N use efficiency. Addressing questions related to effective N application for achieving improved corn yield can help farmers overcome higher input costs and achieve their target yield while reducing their environmental footprint.
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!
