Episode 117: Exploring Innovative Agricultural Practices with Steve Diver

Steve Diver, Farm Superintendent at the University of Kentucky’s Horticulture Research Farm in Lexington, boasts a rich background in sustainable agriculture. With a B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University, he honed his expertise while serving as a horticultural and soils consultant in Central Texas. Diver founded Agri-Horticultural Consulting in 2010, specializing in soil analysis and consultancy services tailored to eco-agriculture, organic and sustainable farming, and environmental sciences. 

Diver's professional journey underscores his status as a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, with a focus on regenerative farming practices. His extensive experience spans soil health, microbial ecology, and innovative water management techniques geared toward advancing regenerative agriculture principles.

In this episode, Steve and John discuss:

• The rhizosphere, root exudates, and soil enzymes' role in agriculture

• How microbial inoculants can reduce synthetic nitrogen applications while increasing crop yields

• Habitat-based management and the resilience of biological systems

• Water structuring techniques and their potential impact on plant growth

• Introduction to plasma-activated water and its role in nitrogen absorption by crops

• Consideration of regulatory challenges in agriculture and navigating evolving policies

Additional Resources “Tuning in to Nature: Solar Energy, Infrared Radiation, and the Insect Communication System” by Philip S. Callahan is no longer in print, but you may find used copies on thriftbooks.com or amazon.com 

About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.

Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition – a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.

Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture. 

AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.

AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.

Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: https://www.advancingecoag.com

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VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: https://youtu.be/n9U6GwbYPDk