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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
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,
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
How Much Land Does Solar Energy Use?
As solar energy development increases across the US, some farmers are concerned about the amount of land being utilized. While solar energy is a promising source of renewable energy, it does take a portion of land to produce. In the Midwest especially, landowners are growing uneasy about the idea of solar farms taking over or
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
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,