Soil Health Workshops

Farmers are encouraged to attend upcoming workshops January through March focused on improving soil health and maximizing cover crops. The workshops are a joint effort with Ohio State University (OSU) Extension, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The workshops will provide farmers with an overview of soil ecology and nutrient recycling, as well as an introduction to using cover crop systems, says Alan Sundermeier, program leader for the Healthy Soil Healthy Environment program with OSU Extension.

The day-long program features OSU Extension and NRCS soil health experts. Local speakers will also be featured at the various locations of the workshops.

“The program will enable farmers to evaluate their current soil health and plan sustainable methods to improve soil health and reduce nutrient loss,” Sundermeier said. “Those farming in the Western Basin of the Lake Erie Watershed understand the importance of reducing nutrient loss and this workshop provides the tools to achieve their yield goals while improving the environment.”

Topics to be discussed during the program include:

· Biology and reduction of soil compaction

· Economics of cover crops

· Keeping nutrients out of surface water

· Raising nitrogen cover crops

· Managing grasses and brassica cover crops

· Managing voles and slugs in cover crops

· Maximizing mycorrhizae in cropping systems