By Blake Jackson
A recent University of Missouri study highlights how long-term cover cropping and manure applications can improve soil health, while evaluating practical biosecurity measures to reduce the spread of disease-causing pathogens on farms.
The research findings will be presented during a workshop scheduled for November 10, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. IST at Allen Hall, Conference Room 100.
The soil health study analyzed more than 15,000 soil samples collected across Missouri between 2016 and 2024. Approximately 33% of the samples were associated with cover crop practices, while 10% had received manure applications.
Researchers found that soil carbon levels varied from year to year but were consistently higher in fields with at least five years of cover cropping in several study years. Long-term cover crop practices also improved aggregate stability, while bulk density showed little change.
Manure applications had a stronger influence on soil chemical properties. Compared with fields receiving inorganic fertilizers, manure-treated soils showed higher levels of potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN), phosphorus, and soil carbon.
In silt loam soils, manure applications also consistently improved aggregate stability across multiple years.
The findings suggest that cover cropping requires sustained management to deliver measurable soil health benefits, while manure can contribute to improvements in soil fertility and certain structural properties.
Researchers also emphasized that cover crop biomass management and appropriate termination practices are important for achieving the full benefits of these systems.
The workshop will also examine farm biosecurity practices designed to prevent disease transmission. Researchers evaluated several interventions, including air showers, disinfectant spraying, disinfectant fogging, Danish entry systems (DES) and hair nets.
Results indicated that combining Danish entry systems with hair net protocols significantly improved bacterial and viral reduction.
Full-body showering remained the most effective intervention, although its success depended heavily on consistent compliance with established procedures.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and multi-step Danish entry protocols were identified as practical alternatives when full-body showers are not feasible.
The presentation will conclude with information about ongoing biosecurity and composting workshops, along with hands-on activities for participants.
Dr. Teng Lim, an Extension Professor and Professional Engineer at the University of Missouri, will lead the presentation. His research and extension programs focus on manure management, farm biosecurity, and air quality control.
Dr. Lim also works with the university's Swine Focus Teams to address agricultural engineering and livestock production challenges through collaboration with farmers and colleagues.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Missouri, Education, General