MADISON — The University of Wisconsin-Extension is teaming up with the Eau Claire County Land Conservation Division and the Eau Claire River Watershed to host a soil health field day on Monday August 6, 2018. The training will be held at Bush Brothers and Company in Augusta, Wisconsin and will feature NRCS and UW-Extension soil health experts Kevin Erb, Tim Miland, Justin Morris, and Jamie Patton.
Participants will see a rainfall stimulator demonstration, receive a soil health testing kit, and learn on how to use their kit to compare soil health in different fields on their farming operation.
The kit includes:
- soil compaction probe
- soil infiltration test
- soil aggregation stability (slake) test
- digital soil thermometer
- other resources to help participants learn how to improve soil health on their farm
“Learning how to manage soil health is essential to maximize profitability, especially in a time of lower farm prices,” notes Kevin Erb of UW Extension’s Conservation Professional Training Program. “Little changes to soil management can dramatically impact rainfall infiltration, conserving moisture in dry times and reducing compaction in wet years.”
Pre-registration is required by Monday July 30, 2018. The training is $30 and includes lunch and a soil health kit. Space is limited to 18 participants with priority given to those farming or managing land in and around the 9-Key element watersheds. Free rides are available to and from the field day if needed.
To register or for more information, contact: Kevin Erb, UW-Extension (920) 391-4652 Kevin.erb@ces.uwex.edu
Jenna Hazelton, Eau Claire County Land Conservation Division (715) 839-6226 Jenna.hazelton@co.eau-claire.wi.us
— UW-Extension
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