Looking Underground at the Benefits of Diversity

Some plant roots are thick and woody and contribute to long term soil organic matter, some are long and increase infiltration of water farther into the soil, while others have a relationship with bacteria to create their own form of usable nitrogen.  Watch as  Amy Hamilton explains how roots vary and how the different root systems benefit the grassland.  This video will be informative to those with an interest in plants or soil health. 

This talk was given as part Hamilton Native Outpost’s 2020 field day. Every year Hamilton Native Outpost has a field day to share knowledge of native plants.  This year the topic was “Diversity of Plants: Stronger Together than Alone.”  Speakers discussed the C-value system, how animals benefit from grazing a diversity of plants, how cool and warm season plants are better together in the same field for sunlight and carbon dioxide capture, the importance of biochar to soils, diversity of roots in a diverse native grassland, and creating a native silvopasture.  While this field day was focused on forages, the topics covered appeal to many interest areas.

Other Videos from the Field Day

A diversity of plants is stronger together than alone was the theme from the 2020 field day. Watch more videos from this day:

• An Ecologist’s View on How the World Works
• Why Plant Diversity is Good for Livestock
• Warm & Cool Season Plant Diversity
• Biochar & Soil Health
• Silvopasture for Livestock