Our soil is the foundation for successful harvests.

SUSTAINING OUR SOIL

​Sustainable agriculture includes different methods of farming focused on producing long-term crops and livestock without compromising the environment and the natural resources found within. Our soil is the foundation for our alleged successful harvests.

Modern farming practices such as no-till and reduced till allows the soil to retain their carbon components which is essential to proper plant growth. Taking proper care of the soil is something Rieger Farms invests in on a yearly basis and works diligently to avoid erosion and soil depletion.

MAINTAINING NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS

​Another advantage to the methods previously mentioned is the maintenance of natural ecosystems within the soil that consists of earthworms, nematodes, mites, insects, fungi, bacteria and thousands of other invertebrates. Preserving the environments of these creatures is becoming more prevalent as we begin to discover the importance of these critters and what they can contribute to our soil. ​

Improving soil health with cover crops

COVER CROPS: A NATURAL SOLUTION

Cover cropping is another sustainable practice that is utilized to improve soil health and reduce erosion. Cover cropping allows the farmer to grow various other crops such as rye and clover in between growing seasons.

​The deep roots of the rye plant provides relief and increased moisture retention by breaking up the soil. Clover plants use natural soil bacterias that pull nitrogen from the atmosphere and attach itself to the roots of the plant which can then benefit plants of the following year.

Other cover crops that are used frequently by Rieger Farms include oats, grass and clover combinations, as well as radishes. This rapidly growing practice is implemented into our yearly processes and is something we plan to continue improving and exploring in the future.