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David Sparks Ph.d Improving Yield
by David Sparks Ph.d, click here for bio

Program: Line on Agriculture
Date: March 15, 2018

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Growers around the country constantly battle to achieve profitability with sustainability. Due to the growing population and increasing climate pressures, the task to operate both profitably and sustainably is at times challenging. I asked Cool Planet Regional Account Manager Jerry VanElderen how growers can achieve yield improvement while benefiting the environment?


Many growers operate productive farms while benefitting the environment and sustainability of the planet.

For some though, protecting the bottom-line may mean employing practices that result in negative environmental impact. Fortunately, a tool exists to promote both profitability and sustainability. It’s called Cool Terra

How does it work? Cool Terra is a biochar-based, organic soil amendment that works to unlock key soil performance characteristics through three basic mechanisms, physical, chemical and biological.

The physical mechanisms are designed to enhance soil structure: Its highly porous, beneficial for water and nutrient holding. It has an expansive surface area which creates free air space in heavy soils and can improve infiltration

The chemical mechanisms are designed to enhance nutrient efficiency in the root zone: Its high ion exchange capacity can promote nutrient exchange and availability, holding nutrients in the root zone longer. The porous structure of recalcitrant carbon can delay leaching giving the plant more time to use available nutrients

The biological mechanisms are designed to enhance activity in the root zone which can promote a health and harmonious microbial environment. The strong and durable cell walls, neutral pH, and pore size distribution provide a 'bug hotel' promoting microbial populations that protect against stressors and promote efficient nutrient cycling

The best part is, Cool Terra works. Over 100 independent, 3rd party trials have shown Cool Terra provides, on average, a 12% improvement in marketable yield compared to the grower standard. The trials show Cool Terra benefits germination and establishment, plant resiliency, and soil health for long lasting yield benefits

As for sustainability: Cool Terra sequesters 2.5tons of CO2 for every 1 ton applied. Meaning, Cool Terra moves carbon from the atmosphere to the ground where it is the most beneficial.

Bottom line, its good for the soil, good for the plants, and good for the environment

Cool Terra is registered for sale in all 50 states and is available for purchase through your local ag retailer

Visit coolterra.com to learn more!

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