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DEMING SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP
October 21, 2021 @ 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Join us at Viramontes Farm in Deming for this workshop geared toward agricultural producers to learn about soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil. No experience with managing for soil health is necessary, but we will also have time to share experiences with others. You will also learn in-field assessments of soil health, such as observing compaction, infiltration rate, surface cover, aggregate stability, and more.
After completing this workshop, you should be able to:
- Plan and execute at least one appropriate prioritized change in your operation in line with the healthy soil principles within one year.
- Discuss the healthy soil principles with at least one other producer, friend, family member, or neighbor this year.
- Define healthy soils in terms of physical, chemical and biological properties that affect water retention, agricultural productivity, etc. by using the workbook, notes, and other resources.
- Distinguish between static/inherent and dynamic soil characteristics, and consider economic/ecological/social lags in changes when planning for soil health.
- Discuss management interventions as they relate to soil health principles.
- Discuss the results from an in-field test with a Technical Service Provider in the context of current management and future management
- Find resources to record, track, and share data (voluntarily)
- Find and use the online resources (eg. listserve, linked informational pages, apps)
- Distinguish between prescriptive/proactive vs. responsive management, specifically with regard to planning and current ecological, social, and economic context (eg. previous management, climate, including water supply)
There is no cost to this workshop, but please bring your own lunch and water. Other details will be provided after registration.
Facilitated by Eva Stricker, PhD, Quivira Coalition. Eva is an ecologist with interests in how plant-microbe interactions in soil affect biogeochemical cycling such as nitrogen and carbon. She has a background in curriculum development for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
