By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), led by Dr. Bijesh Maharjan and his team, successfully conducted a series of Soil Health Schools across Nebraska in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Held at multiple locations in 2023, the schools attracted over 200 participants, including growers, crop consultants, ag professionals, and students, aiming to address regional soil health concerns.
This year’s program featured sessions tailored to Nebraska’s unique conditions, focusing on semi-arid cropping systems, dryland, irrigated cropland, and rangeland. The schools included relevant topics such as carbon markets, soil health measurements, and live NRCS soil health demonstrations.
The school at UNL’s High Plains Ag Lab emphasized dryland systems, discussing challenges of implementing soil health practices in semi-arid areas. Attendees appreciated the targeted presentations by experts like Gary Peterson and David Nielsen, who explored tillage impacts and cover crop use in dryland winter wheat.
At the Nebraska Grazing Conference, soil health education was integrated into rangeland discussions, drawing positive feedback from attendees. Keynote speakers addressed ecological sustainability and profitability in crop and grazing systems, offering practical insights for local producers.
The Fort Robinson State Park event brought together experts and attendees for an engaging discussion on alternative crop and grazing systems, led by notable agroecologist Dale Strickler. This smaller, focused setting allowed for in-depth conversations on challenges like crop insurance and drought resilience.
Overall, the 2023 Nebraska Soil Health Schools were well-received, reaching approximately 400 stakeholders and expanding soil health education across the state. The initiative continues to foster sustainable and productive agriculture through tailored educational programs and community collaboration.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General