By Scout Nelson
Nebraska farmers and landowners have an opportunity to participate in a nationwide soil health initiative that provides free soil testing, personalized reports, and compensation for their time.
The project, called "Probing Our Country's Soil Health," helps researchers build a new soil health interpretation tool known as the Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation (SHAPE).
The project receives support from leading soil health experts, including Carolina Córdova, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture Assistant Professor and Statewide Soil Health Specialist; Kristen Veum, USDA ARS Soil Scientist; Newell Kitchen, Independent Soil Scientist and Agronomist; and Scott Nelson, Independent Agronomist. Their work helps advance soil health research and improve practical tools for farmers across the country.
The project is developing the Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation, known as SHAPE. The tool is designed to do more than provide laboratory numbers. It helps farmers, crop advisers, and conservation planners understand what soil test results mean for farm management.
SHAPE compares soil health results with information from soils that have similar conditions. These comparisons can include soil type, climate, location, and management history. The goal is to give producers a clearer picture of their soil health and help them make informed decisions.
The national project plans to collect more than 13,000 soil samples from about 6,000 fields. Farms in all 50 states and U.S. territories are included. The dataset represents many soil types, climates, crops, and management practices.
Participants receive a soil health report explaining results through SHAPE. The laboratory work is valued at about $1,200 per field and is provided free. Producers also receive compensation for about one hour and a printed soil health photo book. Field and contact information remains private unless producers give permission to share it.
Enrollment is designed to take a limited time. Producers begin by scheduling a one-hour Zoom meeting. During the meeting, a project facilitator helps complete a survey about management practices used during roughly the previous 10 years.
The survey covers two or three fields, depending on the size of the farm, and usually takes 30 minutes or less. Producers need to use Zoom's video feature so they can view information shared by the facilitator.
Within about three to six months after the survey, a soil sampling team visits the farm. The team collects samples by hand from two or three locations in each enrolled field. Sampling locations are selected to represent the main soil types in the field.
Physical tests examine features such as aggregate stability and soil texture. Biological tests include soil respiration and active carbon. Nutrient tests look at areas such as protein, potential nitrogen release, soil fertility, and pH.
Additional tests examine enzymes involved in carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycling. In total, 24 measurements provide a broad view of soil health rather than focusing on only one property.
Results may not arrive all at once because the project is processing thousands of samples. Producers receive results in groups as testing is completed. A final report is provided after the SHAPE tool is fully developed and calibrated.
To qualify, a field must contain at least 10 acres. Enrollment is also limited by state. Nebraska and other major farming states generally receive larger field allocations, making early enrollment important because applications close when the state reaches its limit.
Producers participating in the NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program can receive an additional benefit. If they later apply for related EQIP or CSP funding for the same fields, SHAPE testing can meet the first-year CEMA 216 Soil Health Testing requirement. The final-year test remains separate.
If different fields are used for the conservation program, normal first- and last-year testing requirements still apply. Producers do not need an existing NRCS cost-share agreement to participate in SHAPE.
This project gives Nebraska producers a chance to learn more about their soil without paying the normal testing cost. It also helps build a national soil health database that can improve future testing and recommendations.
For farmers, the value goes beyond one report. Better soil information can help producers understand changes in soil condition, compare fields, and consider management practices that support productive and healthy soils.
Interested producers can review the project information, schedule an enrollment meeting, or contact the SHAPE team, or visit the AGES website for more information. Early participation can help Nebraska farms receive testing while field slots remain available and contribute useful information to a national soil health resource.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Nebraska, Sustainable Agriculture