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Seeds dropped from sky to improve soil and water

Grasses, legumes and radishes planted by air this month at four Northwest Hamilton County farms will together form a one two three punch to boost soil fertility, reduce erosion and improve water quality.

Friday a plane dropped 61 lbs. of seeds an acre on the Heyob, Knollman, Minges and Hoerst Farms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFCLgw6RHgA

They are part of a three-year study sponsored by the Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) that could create a national model to improve soil and water quality using crop cover.

The idea:

  • Planting Oilseed Radishes (18 inches in depth) will break up the soil and improve air and water movement
  • The Winter Rye and Oat grasses will control erosion and then serve as organic matter in the spring
  • Crimson Clover, a legume, will collect and fix atmospheric Nitrogen in the soil

How it is happening:

Small planes dump the seed mix on farms. In this case it falls in the midst of corn and soybean plants.

The idea of a special scientific crop cover is spreading where experts sample the soil and then seed companies provide specific seeds based on soil needs. Warren, Butler and Clermont County have done it.  Parts of Indiana are also considering it.

Ann Thompson has decades of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting.