News
5 Ways Cover Crops Can Save Your Soil
October 7, 2025
Author: TASFRL Team
Introduction
Healthy soil is the foundation of resilient farming systems. Yet across the globe, erosion, nutrient depletion, and compaction threaten agricultural productivity. One of the most effective, low-cost strategies to combat this is the use of cover crops.
Cover crops are plants such as clover, rye, vetch, or radish grown not for sale, but to protect and enrich the soil between main crop cycles. This practice is a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture.
1. Prevents Soil Erosion
When soil is left bare, wind and rain can wash away valuable topsoil. Cover crops act as a protective blanket, reducing erosion and keeping nutrients in place.
2. Improves Soil Fertility
Legume cover crops like clover or vetch can “fix” nitrogen from the air into the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Their biomass also adds organic matter, building soil fertility over time.
3. Enhances Water Retention
The root systems of cover crops improve soil structure, allowing it to absorb and hold more water. This reduces runoff and increases resilience during droughts.
4. Suppresses Weeds
Cover crops compete with weeds for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Some, like rye, even release natural chemicals (allelopathy) that inhibit weed growth.
5. Boosts Biodiversity and Soil Life
Cover crops support beneficial insects, pollinators, and soil microbes. Their living roots feed underground ecosystems, enhancing nutrient cycling and soil health.
Additional Benefits
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon.
- Provides forage for livestock in mixed systems.
- Improves soil tilth (workability).
Challenges in Using Cover Crops
While beneficial, cover crops require planning. Farmers need to consider seed costs, planting timing, and termination methods to avoid interference with main crops.
Conclusion
Cover crops are more than just “extra plants.” They are an investment in the health of soil, water, and farm ecosystems. By preventing erosion, improving fertility, and supporting biodiversity, cover crops help farmers create more resilient and productive systems.
References
- Snapp, S. S., et al. (2005). Evaluating Cover Crops for Benefits, Costs and Performance within Cropping System Niches. Agronomy Journal.
- Blanco-Canqui, H., & Ruis, S. J. (2020). Cover Crops and Ecosystem Services: Insights from Studies in Temperate Soils. Agronomy Journal.
- USDA NRCS (2014). Cover Crops and Soil Health.
- Regeneration International (2022). Cover Crops in Regenerative Agriculture.
Other News
Tax Planning Insights for Forest Landowners: 2025 Updates and Practical Tips
Tax season is an important time for forest landowners and working forest stewards. How your land and timber activities are classified can significantly affect your tax outcome for the 2025 filing year. Many landowners unintentionally overpay simply because they are not fully aware of how forestry-related income and expenses are treated under federal tax rules. Understanding the fundamentals before filing can help you make more informed decisions and support the long-term sustainability of your land. ### Why Classification Matters One of the most important tax considerations is how your forest is classified: - **Personal Use** Forestland held primarily for recreation or personal enjoyment typically has limited deductible expenses. - **Investment** Forestland held for long-term appreciation and timber growth may qualify for capital gains treatment on qualifying timber sales. - **Active Trade or Business** Land actively managed for profit may allow for broader deductions, including operating expenses and certain business-related costs. The classification of your forest directly influences what income is taxable and which deductions are available. ### Understanding Timber Sales and Capital Gains Income from timber sales may be treated differently depending on how the sale is structured. In many cases, standing timber held for more than one year may qualify for long-term capital gains treatment, which is generally taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income. However, not all timber transactions automatically qualify. The structure of the contract, ownership period, and how the timber is harvested can affect tax treatment. Before filing, it is important to review how your timber income was generated and reported. ### Timber Basis and Depletion A concept often overlooked is **timber basis**. Timber basis represents your investment in the timber itself. When timber is sold, a portion of that basis may be deducted, reducing taxable income. Without properly established basis records, landowners may end up paying tax on the full amount of a sale. Maintaining accurate documentation is essential to maximizing legitimate tax benefits. ### Reforestation Tax Incentives Reforestation costs may qualify for specific tax incentives. Eligible landowners may deduct certain reforestation expenses in the year incurred, with additional amounts amortized over time. These incentives are designed to encourage sustainable forest management and regeneration. Proper documentation of planting, site preparation, and related costs is critical. ### Commonly Missed Deductions Depending on classification, forest landowners may be able to deduct: - Forestry consultant fees - Management expenses - Property taxes - Interest on loans related to forest operations - Certain casualty losses due to storms or fire Understanding which expenses qualify and under what conditions can make a meaningful difference. ### Plan Before You File Tax planning for forest landowners is not just about compliance. It is part of responsible land stewardship. Reviewing your classification, timber activity, and deductible expenses before filing can help reduce uncertainty and support informed decision-making. Because tax situations vary, landowners should consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with forestry operations. ### Download the 2025 Forestry Tax Guide For a more detailed overview of forestry tax considerations, including timber basis, capital gains, and reforestation incentives, download the full 2025 Forestry Tax Guide. Visit **tasfrl.org/tax** to access the resource.
TASFRL Team
Mar 7, 2026
TASFRL Highlights Land Stewardship at SFLR LinkedIn Live
**Nacogdoches, TX — February 19, 2026** *“Small Acres, Big Impact Reimagining the Future of African American Land Stewardship”* will take place on February 27 at 1:30 p.m. ET as part of the SFLR Network’s Black History Month series, *“It’s Always Been the Land.”* The LinkedIn Live event will highlight why land ownership remains central to generational wealth, cultural continuity, and community resilience, particularly within forested regions like Texas. The discussion marks Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners (TASFRL)’s official launch as the Texas Network Site within the Sustainable Forestry & African American Land Retention (SFLR) Network. TASFRL has officially been selected as the Texas Network Site by the SFLR Network, marking a significant step in expanding forestry, land retention, and stewardship support across the state. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to protecting generational land ownership, advancing regenerative forestry practices, and increasing access to technical assistance for historically underserved landowners throughout Texas. Through this collaboration, TASFRL will help strengthen locally led solutions that connect conservation, land preservation, and long-term economic resilience. The initial implementation phase will focus on 27 priority forestry-related counties, with plans to build a scalable statewide framework that enhances ownership stability and conservation engagement. Texas contains one of the largest privately owned forest landscapes in the United States, yet many landowners continue to face barriers related to succession planning, heirs’ property resolution, and forest management access. As the Texas Network Site, TASFRL will work to close those gaps through education, technical assistance, and on-the-ground implementation support. “Bringing TASFRL into the SFLR Network marks an exciting step in how we support landowners throughout the South,” said Bethaney Wilkinson, Executive Director of the SFLR Network. “Their leadership in regenerative stewardship and education complements our mission to help families protect, enhance, and retain their land.” TASFRL’s Land Management Services (LMS) program will play a central role in delivering measurable outcomes. The program supports forest health improvement, habitat restoration, regenerative land management practices, and practical strategies that allow landowners to integrate forestry into existing land uses without disrupting operations. “We are building a statewide ecosystem that empowers landowners through education, succession planning, heirs’ property support, and practical implementation,” said Joseph K. Johnson, TASFRL Director and SFLR Texas Program Lead. “This partnership strengthens long-term land retention and sustainable forestry across Texas.”
TASFRL Team
Feb 27, 2026
How Managed Grazing Improves Soil and Livestock Health
## Introduction For centuries, livestock have played a vital role in farming systems by providing meat, milk, fiber, and supporting land management. However, many farmers still rely on **traditional continuous grazing**, where animals remain in one area for extended periods. This often leads to **overgrazing**, **soil compaction**, **loss of vegetation**, and **declining animal performance** over time. To address these challenges, more farmers and ranchers are turning to **managed grazing systems**. Managed grazing sometimes referred to as **rotational grazing** or **holistic planned grazing** offers a sustainable approach that aligns with the natural behavior of grazing animals and helps restore degraded land. By intentionally controlling when and where livestock graze, farmers can regenerate soils, improve pasture quality, and support healthier, more productive livestock. ## What Is Managed Grazing? Managed grazing is the **strategic rotation of livestock** through different pasture sections (or paddocks). Instead of grazing in one spot continuously, animals graze an area intensively for a short period and then move to the next, allowing plants time to **recover and regrow** before animals return. This approach mimics the **natural movement of wild herds**, which graze intensely in one area before moving on. By guiding this process, farmers can improve soil conditions, enhance plant diversity, and create a more balanced and resilient pasture ecosystem. ## 1. Builds Soil Fertility Animal manure and urine return organic matter and nutrients to the soil. With managed grazing, these inputs are spread more evenly across the land, enriching soil fertility. ## 2. Enhances Plant Regrowth When animals graze in a controlled cycle, grasses and forbs are given rest periods. This recovery time strengthens root systems, increases biomass, and improves pasture resilience. ## 3. Improves Water Infiltration and Retention Rotational grazing reduces soil compaction compared to continuous grazing. Healthier soil structure absorbs more rainfall, decreases runoff, and provides drought resilience. ## 4. Reduces Weeds and Invasive Species Grazing animals help manage unwanted plants by naturally controlling weed populations. A diverse pasture supported by managed grazing creates balance in plant communities. ## 5. Supports Livestock Health Managed grazing provides animals with fresh, nutrient-rich forage. Rotations reduce parasite loads and stress, leading to healthier cattle, sheep, and goats with improved weight gain and milk production. ## Additional Benefits - Encourages biodiversity by supporting birds, insects, and wildlife. - Sequesters carbon in soils and vegetation. - Lowers feed costs by extending grazing seasons. ## Challenges of Managed Grazing - Requires planning, fencing, and sometimes water infrastructure. - Farmers need knowledge of stocking rates and pasture management. - Initial transition can demand higher labor and observation. ## Conclusion Managed grazing is more than just moving animals it is a strategic system that restores soil health, boosts pasture productivity, and improves animal welfare. By adopting managed grazing, farmers and ranchers can create regenerative systems that benefit both the land and livestock. ## References - Teague, W. R., et al. (2013). *The Role of Ruminants in Reducing Agriculture’s Carbon Footprint in North America*. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. - Savory, A. (2016). *Holistic Management: A Commonsense Revolution to Restore Our Environment*. Island Press. - USDA NRCS (2015). *Managed Grazing Systems and Soil Health*. - Provenza, F. D., et al. (2019). *Grazing Behavior and Forage Intake by Livestock*.
TASFRL Team
Dec 4, 2025