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Vermillion Rivers Matthiessen State Park Ottawa Illinois CREP

The Goals of the Illinois Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

In 2022, Illinois reinstated the statewide Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) as a division of the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Along with the general conservation and restoration goals of CRP, CREP focuses on specific goals for each state. Upon its return, the Illinois CREP released a number of guidelines and requirements for landowners interested …

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Biochar Soil Farmer

Biochar’s Impact on Climate Change

In the bioenergy sector, biochar is quickly becoming recognized for its promising impact on climate change. As a type of carbon-rich charcoal, biochar is produced through a process called pyrolysis, where organic matter is heated without the use of oxygen. Typically used as a soil amendment to increase the health and fertility of the soil, …

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CRP Land Wildflowers

CRP Signup Starts Feb. 27th – April 7th 2023

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced recently that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin applying for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup starting February 27 through April 7, 2023. What is the CRP? The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that helps agricultural producers …

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The Agricultural Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict - Man in wheat field

The Agricultural Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues into 2023, the effects on the agricultural industry are daunting. Along with the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, the global economy and food supply have taken a major hit. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most significant agricultural consequences, as well as ways …

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What biomass feedstocks are used to make biochar?

What Feedstocks are Used to Make Biochar?

To produce biochar, there are certain feedstocks that are preferred over others. As an amendment to soil, biochar can benefit your land in myriad ways, from increased soil fertility to carbon sequestration. Usually produced through a heating process called pyrolysis, biochar is a complex structure with a network of pores that retain plenty of nutrients, …

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The Benefits of Biochar

The Benefits of Biochar

When added to soil, biochar can bring numerous benefits to your land. An organically produced amendment, biochar has been used for thousands of years to enhance soil and generate better crop yields. Its unique, porous texture provides abundant opportunities for enriching vulnerable soil and keeping it healthy over the long term. Today, as farmers look …

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Wetlands - Difference Between CRP and CREP

What’s the Difference Between CRP and CREP?

Considering signing up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)? You may notice there are other initiatives, like CREP or CCRP, that are also open for enrollment. These offshoots of the main CRP program typically focus on more specialized conservation goals. CREP, or the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, is an offshoot of CRP that takes a …

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