Feature Regenerative Farming Practices
Advantages of Plant Biostimulants as Feed Additives
Boost Poultry Nutrition
By Christy Caplan
Where sprawling poultry farms and lush crop fields paint a picturesque scene, a remarkable individual stands out among the pastures. Meet Russell Taylor, a visionary figure whose love for sustainable agriculture, water conservation and soil vitality illuminates the landscape as a beacon of progressive farming practices.
He is a revered advocate for regenerative agriculture, embodying a profound commitment to enhancing soil health and reshaping the livestock and poultry industry through the power of cover crops and organic fertilizers. His pioneering spirit extends to harnessing the potential of plant biostimulants in revolutionizing agricultural practices for a more sustainable future.
At the helm of Live Earth, a family-run business championing humic shale derivatives for fertilizers and animal feeds, his journey epitomizes the essence of the American dream intertwined with a passion for water conservation and soil health.
“ We truly embody the American dream. My father envisioned coming out to the desert, digging his fortune from the hillside and building a thriving business,” Taylor said. His dedication to mining for humate and passion for water conservation practices in agriculture has not gone unnoticed as he was honored with the 2023 Certified Crop Adviser Conservationist of the Year award.
The significant materials mined by Live Earth, humic acidbased products, enhance plant productivity by enriching soil organic matter.
Farmers can enhance nutrient management and water conservation by improving soil structure and increasing organic matter content through livestock grazing management.
Livestock and Poultry Management Increases Soil Health
Russell Taylor is a mineral specialist and organic beef farmer practicing effective livestock and poultry management to improve soil health and conserve water. He told AcreageLife that rotational grazing techniques prevent overgrazing and promote sustained root growth.
In addition to being omniscient about minerals and plant
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biostimulants, he can give a TED Talk about livestock and poultry farming. In central Utah, he has been raising organic beef since 1999 and proudly holds the title of the state’ s first certified organic beef producer. His family previously cared for a flock of chickens and is currently studying plant biostimulants in poultry feed additives.
“ Livestock grazing management is underappreciated in influencing soil organic matter levels and water conservation. Maintaining adequate plant height is one of the biggest drivers for producing robust root systems. By avoiding overgrazing and allowing sufficient plant mass to remain, roots can continue to grow. These deeper, healthier roots increase soil organic matter and improve soil structure,” Taylor said.
“ When you start talking about how grazing and overgrazing affect soil organic matter, you can better understand how this practice impacts water-holding capacity and soil health.”
By moving livestock on and off grass quickly, plants will avoid being overgrazed, enabling them to develop robust root systems.
Boost Soil Organic Matter
The U. S. Department of Agriculture( USDA) encourages livestock producers to balance the requirements for watering livestock and crops with conserving water. A USDA National Resources Conservation Service( NRCS) program, called the 1 % program, urges farmers to change their soil organic matter and helps ranchers with several conservation practices that build healthy soil.
“ Conservation is the main reason for improving soil organic matter; you use less water because you lose less water. Remember, soil organic matter helps store water from rain and irrigation lost by surface runoff or infiltration through the soil. As your soil organic matter increases, those losses decrease significantly,” Taylor said.
A 1 % change in soil organic matter will conserve 30,000 more gallons of water per acre.
August 2024 AcreageLife 25