USDA NRCS

Native prairie field — Applications for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program assistance need to be submitted by Nov. 17 to be considered for this year’s funding. (USDA NRCS photo)

Application Cutoff for Natural Resource Conservation Funds Approaching

October 6, 2023

Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply.

Vesh Raj Thapa stands near soil sample display — Vesh Raj Thapa, UNL post-doctoral research assistant, stands behind root samples from the plots at WREEC in North Platte. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Roots, Another Important Aspect of Cover Crops

September 19, 2023

Researchers involved in a UNL-USDA NRCS study on cover crops highlight the importance of species selection, as each type of cover crop has a unique root system that contributes differently to soil health.

Aaron Hird gestures to soil and water samples — Aaron Hird, USDA NRCS state soil health specialist, demonstrates the outcome of different soil health practices with a rainfall simulation to Nebraska Soil Health School attendees at UNL’s Haskell Ag Lab on Aug. 2.

Nebraska Soil Health School: A Success Story of Collaboration and Learning

September 12, 2023

During its inaugural year, the Nebraska Soil Health School educated more than 200 producers and ag industry stakeholders on the latest research and practices for healthy soils to increase crop productivity.

Soil Health School participants watch outdoor demo — UNL Extension Engineer Paul Jasa points out key outcomes of the Nebraska NRCS rainfall simulator to onlookers at the conclusion of the Nebraska Soil Health School on June 28.

Don’t Miss UNL’s Haskell Ag Lab Soil Health School

July 13, 2023

The final 2023 Nebraska Soil Health School will be Aug. 1-2, featuring numerous speakers and hands-on activities, and free attendance for all participants.

Nebraska Soil Health School attendees listen to lecture — A participant at the Nebraska Soil Health School learns how to use the Munsell Soil Color Chart, an in-field tool useful for gauging the color characteristics of soil.

Nebraska Soil Health School Connects Farmers, Researchers, Conservationists and Ag Professionals

July 13, 2023

Attendees of the second Nebraska Soil Health School in North Platte heard the latest on fundamental soil health principles and research, and viewed numerous demos by UNL and NRCS experts.

Cordova, Hird and Freidenreich in a lab — (From left) Carolina Córdova, Aaron Hird and Ariel Freidenreich are part of the Statewide Soil Health Team, a collaboration aimed at identifying ways in which the university, USDA-ARS and USDA-NRCS can actively support and contribute to a wide range of soil health activities, events and projects throughout Nebraska. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo)

Soil Health Statewide Leadership Team Meets to Strengthen Collaborative Efforts

July 6, 2023

Soil health specialists and scientists from UNL, USDA NRCS and USDA ARS are seeking opportunities to share their expertise and support with Nebraska growers on soil health education and projects.

Carter Canyon wildfire smoke — Carter Canyon wildfire in 2022 as seen from Scottsbluff. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Wildfire Recovery Field Tour Scheduled for June 9

May 25, 2023

The free field tour will visit two locations that experienced wildfires during the summer of 2021 and 2022 for discussion with rangeland management experts on recovery strategies, reseeding fire lines and more.

Hands in soil — Advanced demonstrations, innovative research and a panel discussion will be just a few of the educational opportunities offered at the second Nebraska Soil Health School on June 27-28 in North Platte.

Second Nebraska Soil Health School Registration Open

April 19, 2023

Registration is due June 20 for the second Nebraska Soil Health School to be hosted June 27-28 at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte.

Explore Tags