How Cover Crop Roots Improve Soil Health

The Ontario Certified Crop Advisor Association (CCA) and Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) have partnered to deliver training and educational resources to Ontario agrologists. With a focus on cover crops, nitrogen management, and rotational grazing, these sessions will support the objectives of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund.

This webinar provides an in-depth look at the mechanisms by which cover crop root systems enhance soil health, drawing on research by Dr. Hanna Poffenbarger. The presentation examines how root biomass, architecture, and exudates contribute to soil organic matter formation, improve soil structure, and stimulate microbial activity. Additionally, it explores species-specific root traits and management strategies to help optimize underground soil health benefits across various crop rotations.

Dr. Hanna Poffenbarger is an associate professor of soil nutrient management at University of Kentucky. She studies how carbon and nutrients cycle in soil-crop systems and uses this understanding to develop sustainable soil management practices and resilient production systems. Specific areas of interest include: nutrient capture and release by cover crops, optimal fertilization practices for crop yield and quality, long-term effects of soil management practices on soil health and nutrient dynamics, and root impacts on soil organic matter formation and persistence. She also teaches soil science courses to undergraduate and graduate students at University of Kentucky. Originally from Frederick, MD, she completed her PhD at Iowa State University and has called Kentucky home since 2018.

Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). This event is free to attend. To register you must answer two questions for the purpose of tracking attendance and outreach.

CEUs: 1.5 Soil and Water Management (to be approved)

How Cover Crop Roots Improve Soil Health is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for applicants with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Cover Cropping category. The KSE is only available for the live webinar.