AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Dec. 18, at noon CST will feature DeAnn Presley, professor of agronomy, Kansas State University. Presley’s applied research and extension program focuses on balancing the demand for increased agricultural production with conserving natural resources. Her research projects involve pedology and soil health, with particular attention given to how humans have influenced soil properties through agricultural practices.
In the webinar, “On-Farm Soil Health Assessment Results: Lessons Learned,” Presley will provide insights gained from field studies conducted on 50 farms in central Kansas seeking to assess soil health across a variety of management approaches through the measurement of physical, chemical, and biological parameters. She will also discuss the impacts of variables such as ownership and management strategies over time which can affect soil health at a field scale.
“We learn a lot from small-plot research projects that are very controlled, but when research is expanded to operating farms, we wanted to better understand how these same measurement methods apply at field-scale where complicated management histories under ownership by different people may change the outcomes,” said Presley. “When we look at dynamic soil properties that can change across a 5-to-10-year timescale, we must always consider if management practices such as no-till or conventional tillage will show meaningful differences. Participants in this webinar will learn about some useful biological indicators and measurements such a soil aggregation that help in assessing soil health.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Don’t miss this webinar!
DATE: Wednesday, December 18, 2024
TIME: 12:00 p.m. CST
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Shortly before 12:00 pm CST, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/
Or, join via phone:
Dial: 646-876-9923
Webinar ID: 999 3709 5398
We will return January 8, 2025
The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.
ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
About Iowa Learning Farms:
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK, Inc.
–Iowa Learning Farms
