News

Dr. Islam presents information for a field day in Ukraine

Aug 26, 2021

Recently Dr. Islam, Soil, Water, and Bioenergy Resources Program Director, gave a talk via Zoom at a field day in Ukraine. We have attached a few pictures and the translated post from the Science, Technology, and Engineering College to learn more about the field day:
New book release: Cover Crops and Sustainable Agriculture

Aug 6, 2021

While this book was not written to serve as an encyclopedia of cover crop management — it certainly comes close. Inside we discuss the benefits of a wide range of individual cover crops and blends/mixes for specific agronomic crop rotations and geographic locations. Descriptions, photographs, and illustrations (including those of plant height, leaf architecture, and rooting patterns) demonstrate to readers how cover crops should look in the field. Long-term benefits are described for soil health, water quality, nutrient contributions, soil biodiversity, air quality, and climate change.
South Centers scientist recognized for reaching commercialization milestone

Nov 7, 2019

Bradford ShermanSouth Centers/CFAES Fifteen years ago, Dr. Khandakar (Rafiq) Islam created a soil test kit that was affordable, and so convenient and simple to use that any landowner can use it to make informed decisions concerning soil health and the potential for agricultural productivity.
Soil health, corn disorders, weeds topics of upcoming Soil and Water Field Night

Jun 22, 2018

By Bradford ShermanOhio State University South Centers PIKETON — Soil health, corn disorders, and weed management are topics set to headline the upcoming Soil and Water Field Night, hosted by The Ohio State University South Centers.
"Soil is meant to be covered..." Jim Hoorman speaks about cover crops in soil health series

Jul 14, 2017

The Soil Health Series Live Stream July 13 episode was focused on cover crops. Jim Hoorman, Regional Soil Health Specialist with the Northeast Region NRCS-Soil Health Division, Ohio and Michigan was the featured guest with host Vinayak Shedekar and co-host Wayne Lewis, Farm Manager at the OSU South Centers.
Keeping Microbes Happy Key to Crop Success

Jul 12, 2017

Published May 23, 2017 By Sonja Begemann, Farm Journal, Seeds and Crop Production Editor
Leave the Tilling to Mother Nature

Apr 27, 2017

Leave the Tilling to Mother Nature Published on April 26, 2017 COLUMBUS, Ohio — Whether talking to farmers in France, Ghana or southern Ohio, Rafiq Islam’s message is consistent: Tilling the land does more long-term damage than good. As an Ohio State University soil scientist, Islam is among the disciples in the movement to convince farmers that plowing their fields before they plant or after they harvest harms the health of the soil and its ability to spur growth and resist erosion.
One of our mentees, Emmanuel Odama visited the White House

Aug 9, 2016

One of our mentees, Emmanuel Odama from Uganda as the Washington Mandela fellow visited the White House to meet President Obama last week and was selected as the fellow to introduce him at the stage.
How to Help Soils, Crops and Water, and Also Deal with Climate: July 28 Field Night

Jun 23, 2016

PIKETON, Ohio — The July 28 Soil, Water and Bioenergy Field Night at the Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon will feature new and innovative ways to grow soybeans, corn and wheat in a changing climate. Growing cover crops, practicing long-term no-till and spreading gypsum on the soil — all of which offer the triple benefit of better soil health, crop yields and water quality — also are on the agenda.
Healthy Ground, Healthy Atmosphere: Recarbonizing the Earth's Soils

Feb 19, 2016

Nancy Averett writes about science and the environment from Cincinnati, OH. Her work has been published in Pacific Standard, Audubon, Discover, E/The Environmental Magazine, and a variety of other publications.