OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Philanthropist Howard Buffett wants his fellow farmers to pay more attention to soil health and consider using cover crops.

Buffett, who is the son of investor Warren Buffett, is co-sponsoring an invitation-only conference focused on the benefits of cover crops in Omaha this week.

Buffett focuses most of his giving on helping farmers in developing countries learn to cultivate more. He says American farmers could also benefit from using cover crops to nourish soil.

Cover crops are plants in between growing seasons to help control weeds, prevent soil erosion, and promote soil health.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Natural Resources Conservation Service are also sponsoring the event. Some of the sessions will be broadcast to groups of farmers across the country.