PrintSummary
In this module, you have learned how crop and soil management can protect soil from erosion, improve soil quality and maintain crop productivity in the long-term. Recall that these crop and soil conservation management practices can also help agriculture adapt to climate change because soil that is high in organic matter can store more carbon, nutrients, and water. In addition, diversifying cropping systems can reduce the risk of weather impacting all of the crops on a farm and region, and utilizing a diversity of seasonal crops and varieties can take advantage of longer or potentially different growing seasons.
Reminder - Complete all of the Lesson 7 tasks!
You have reached the end of Module 7. Double-check the to-do list on the Module 7 Roadmap to make sure you have completed all of the activities listed there before you begin Module 8.1.
References and Further Reading
Erosion Control Measures for Cropland: University of Nebraska Plant and Soil ELibrary http://passel.unl.edu/pages/printinformationmodule.php?idinformationmodule=1088801071
Karlen, D.L., M.J. Mausbach, J.W. Doran, R.G. Cline, R.F. Harris, and G.E. Schuman. 1997. Soil quality: A concept, definition, and framework for evaluation. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 61:4-10.
Magdoff, F. and H. VanEs. 2009. Building Soils for Better Crops. Edition 3. Chapters on Cover Crops, Crop Rotation and more. Sustainable Agriculture Network, USDA. Beltsville, MD.