Frequent rainfall and excessive soil moisture in the fall and early spring can bring some unusual problems for vegetable gardeners and farmers – slugs are one of them (pictures show slugs infesting cabbages in Central Alabama). Slug build…

Soils provide plants with mechanical support, water, and dissolved minerals and nutrients. Because most plant roots are found in the topsoil, or A horizon, this layer has the greatest effect on plant growth. A typical soil in good condition…

Welcome to a new oyster gardening season. New volunteers, we are happy to have you join us; seasoned volunteers, it is great to have you back. This fact sheet will tell you everything you need to know to get started with your oyster garden….

This publication provides basic information about the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards as they apply to integrated pest management on organic crops. NOP standards reflect specific requirements that must be verified by a USDA-ac…

The production of soft red winter wheat is mainly concentrated in the northern Alabama (the Northern Valley and the northeastern region of the Appalachian Mountains in Alabama) followed by the southern part (the Coastal Plain and Gulf Coast…

Scouting and monitoring your garden for pests at least two to three times per week can greatly reduce the damage that is acquired from insects. It is also very helpful to use a 10X hand lens to help identify small insects and insect eggs. K…

There have been many producer complaints about snail and slug issues in row crops. Snails (with a hard shell, see picture) and slugs (without a shell) can cause direct crop damage and contamination in severe cases. Snails produce an acidic …

Soil conservation is an important part of conservation cropping systems. There are many benefits for producers who choose to employ soil conservation practices on-farm.

Learn more about conservation systems in this video featuring inform…

Planting the right variety at the right time best ensures that wheat flowers at the optimal time, namely when the risk for freeze damage is at its lowest but before the onslaught of heat stress. Soil moisture conditions are another critical…

Alabama Soil Health Stewards: Ricky Wiggins, Wiggins Farm
Ricky Wiggins discusses soil health stewardship. Wiggins operates Wiggins Farm in Andalusia, Alabama in Covington County. The family farm has been operating for more than 45 years.
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Improved water infiltration is an important element in improving soil health. Better infiltration reduces runoff. Learn more about ways to improve infiltration.

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Annual cover crops introduce quality forage at opportune times of the year, help to create more diverse farm habitats, and provide opportunities to rejuvenate pastureland. Overseeding summer perennial pastures with winter annuals can provid…

The Commercial Horticulture Program provides research-based information to nurseries, landscape companies, and fruit and vegetable growers with conventional or organic production systems through regional meetings, advanced workshops, we…

Cover crops are an important part of conservation agricultural systems in the southeastern United States. If managed properly, grazing of cover crops can add economic value to farm operations while improving soil health. Studies have shown …

Practices such as prevention of overgrazing and increasing forage species diversity can help livestock producers increase soil health in pastureland. Overgrazing of forages reduces ground cover, increasing risk of soil erosion and nutrient …