Learn How to Assess Soil Health

[ATTENTION Editors: Kris Nichols' title was incorrect in the earlier version of this release. She works at the USDA Agricultural Research Service.]

The North Dakota State University Extension Service and the Medina-based Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resources Management and Sustainability are sponsoring a field day on monitoring organic soil health Sept. 23.

It will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dwight and Janine Hofmann farm near Medina.

“The target audience is beginning organic farmers, but all farmers interested in soil quality are encouraged to attend,” says Ron Wiederholt, NDSU Extension nutrient management specialist and workshop organizer.

Session topics include:

• Using soil quality test kits
• Using soil monitoring to make management decisions on organic farms
• Tools growers can build to monitor soils
• Tracking test results

Wiederholt and Kris Nichols, soil microbiologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, will be the presenters.

Space is limited, so anyone interested in attending the workshop should register by contacting the foundation at (701) 486-3569 or by e-mail at info@farrms.org. People registering for the workshop will receive directions to the host farm. Lunch will be provided for a free-will donation.

For more information about the workshops, contact Wiederholt at (701) 652-2951 or ron.wiederholt@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication