Healthy soils start with knowing what is happening below the surface. Producers, agronomists and ag professionals can sharpen their observation, measurement and management skills this August during a hands-on soil health assessment training.
The UNL Soil Health team is hosting “From Field Sampling to Soil Health Scores,” a hands-on soil health assessment training followed by a cover crop demo tour, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 at Rogers Memorial Farm. This in-person training is designed for producers with or without an RCPP/RPP contract, agronomists, Certified Crop Advisors, and other agricultural professionals seeking practical soil health assessment skills.
Participants will work through the full soil health assessment process, from sampling design to interpreting soil health scores for management decisions using real field conditions.
During this training, participants will learn how to:
- Design efficient soil sampling plans by identifying representative sampling locations (by soil type, management and resource concern).
- Conduct on-site soil health assessments and soil sampling following nationwide guidelines (e.g., NRCS CEMA 216 and Technical Note 450).
- Record and organize field data and prepare soil samples for lab analysis.
- Calculate and interpret soil health indicators and connect field observations.
- Apply results to inform conservation planning and management decisions.
The day includes instruction, demonstration, and small-group field practice. Participants will collect and assess soil samples, compare observations across sites, discuss how field and lab data align, and use soil health framework scoring frameworks, such as SHAPE, to guide practical next steps for improving and maintaining soil health.
Registration is free, with participants encouraged to sign up by Monday, Aug. 10. Attendance is limited to 25 participants to ensure an interactive experience.
Lunch and a soil health kit valued at $100 will be provided to all participants.
This workshop offers a valuable opportunity to build hands-on skills, connect data to decision-making, and support farmers in developing resilient, healthy soils.
For questions or more information, contact Miranda Mueller, Soil Health Program coordinator, 402-472-4067, or Caro Córdova, soil health specialist, 402-472-6229.
This event is offered at no cost thanks to sponsorship from the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, Nebraska Soybean Board and the UNL Soil Health Program.
Rogers Memorial Farm is located at 18600 Adam St., Lincoln, NE 68527.
