Innovative Soil Health and Sustainability Training Begins July 15

By Carolina Córdova and Bellodgia Roberson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Soil Health Team is expanding its educational initiatives by hosting the 2024 Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Health and Sustainability training for 30 new and experienced NRCS-Nebraska Conservationist Field Staff. This specialized event, set for July 15-18 at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, offers a unique opportunity for NRCS professionals to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience.

University faculty from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Biological Systems Engineering, and NRCS employees will provide expert-led presentations and showcase soil health practices through field visits to research sites. Participants will see the implementation and effects of various soil health management strategies, including crop-livestock integrative systems, irrigation techniques, biochar applications, perennial grains cultivation, high-boy use for cover cropping, sustainable grazing practices and the nitrogen use optimization calculator. Additionally, participants will conduct a soil health inventory on-site in a crop field.

All sessions foster a collaborative learning environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas and best practices. By engaging with both academic experts and seasoned field professionals, participants will gain a well-rounded perspective on soil health and sustainability.

The training is mandatory for NRCS employees, aiming to enhance their expertise in supporting Nebraska farmers, ranchers and other producers. Given the critical role soil health plays in agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, this training is vital.

This training complements Nebraska’s ongoing soil health education efforts, including the Nebraska Soil Health School series and regional Soil Health conferences. By focusing on soil health, the program equips NRCS employees with essential insights to address farmers' resource concerns and implement soil health practices.

The UNL-NRCS partnership continues to be instrumental in advancing soil health education and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Nebraska. This annual training event underscores the commitment of both organizations to support the agricultural community through education, research, and practical guidance. As the demand for soil health practices continues to grow, the importance of such training programs cannot be overstated.

Carolina Córdova, agronomy and horticulture assistant professor and Statewide Soil Health Specialist Soil Health Specialist, and, Bellodgia Roberson, agronomy and horticulture master’s student, are hosting and co-organizing this event in collaboration with Carlos Villarreal, NRCS State Soil Scientist, and his NRCS team.