California Ag Network

Tag: Soil Health Institute

  • Nationwide Partnership Advances Regenerative Agriculture in Cotton

    Opportunities to advance sustainable cotton farming in the United States are growing thanks to a nationwide partnership led by the Soil Health Institute’s United States Regenerative Cotton Fund (USRCF).

    The fund’s holistic approach to advance economic insights, soil health measurement, and education has made significant progress in the U.S. Cotton Belt since its establishment, engaging more than 1,000 cotton farmers and their advisors. Its efforts support adoption of management systems to improve soil health, the foundation for regenerative agriculture.

    “The soil health benchmarks SHI is providing are a great way to help farmers set realistic soil health goals and measure their success,” said fifth-generation cotton farmer Zeb Winslow, who hosted a recent USRCF field demonstration at his farm in North Carolina. “Reaching farmers where they’re at is important if we’re going to continue the soil health movement.”

    Launched in 2021, USRCF is a farmer-facing, science-based initiative to support long-term, sustainable U.S. cotton production, with the goal of eliminating one million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere by 2026. Active in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas, the fund’s work is made possible by boots-on-the ground partnerships with U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, Cotton Incorporated, agricultural extension, local technical specialists, advisors, and cotton farmers.

    Notable successes include:

    • Economic Insights: By assessing 19 farms representing 108,000 acres in Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, researchers found farms implementing soil health management systems reduced production costs by an average of $53 per acre, increasing net farm income by an average of $150 per acre in their cotton rotations.
    • Soil Health Measurements: Benchmarks established on more than 2 million acres in Texas and Arkansas provide personalized soil health reports to farmers, describing the health of their soils, opportunities for improvement, and implications for carbon and water storage. These benchmarks can empower farmers and advisors to set science- and place-based soil health goals for their farms.
    • Experiential Learning for a Resilient Future: Eleven interns from Historically Black Colleges and Universities received first-hand experience translating science into action.
    • Farmer Education: USRCF organized over 25 field demonstrations and workshops led by SHI educators, farmer mentors, and technical specialists, tapping into trusted networks of local peers to help more than 1,300 farmers and advisors across seven states to improve soil health.

    The USRCF was initiated through a founding grant from The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation. Walmart Foundation, The VF Foundation, Levi Strauss & Co., Hearst Foundations, and Cotton Incorporated are also supporters of the fund.

    For more information about the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund, please visit https://soilhealthinstitute.org/our-work/initiatives/us-regenerative-cotton-fund.

    About the Soil Health Institute 

    The Soil Health Institute is a global non-profit with a mission of safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils through scientific research and advancement. Our vision is a world where farmers and ranchers grow quality food, fiber, and fuel using soil health systems that sustain farms and rural communities, promote a stable climate and clean environment, and improve human health and well-being. By bringing together leaders in science and industry, SHI conducts research and empowers farmers and landowners to adopt soil health systems that contribute economic and environmental benefits to agriculture and society. Find out more at www.soilhealthinstitute.org or on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

    About The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation 

    The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation works to make the dream of a better life reality by championing equity and empowering underserved communities around the world. Established in 2001, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation is committed to making a difference across its core areas of focus: supporting cancer care and prevention, protecting the environment, fostering advocacy & access and strengthening community resilience. It hopes to deliver meaningful change in its communities through its nonprofit collaborations, grant funding and volunteering programs. For more information, please visit: https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/Foundation.

    About Philanthropy at Walmart 

    Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.orgworks to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 24 countries, employs more than 2 million associates and does business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, advance equity, address hunger, build inclusive economic opportunity for people in supply chains, protect and restore nature, reduce waste and emissions, and build strong communities where Walmart operates. To learn more, visit www.walmart.org or connect on Twitter @Walmartorg.

    About The VF Foundation 

    The VF Foundation, the philanthropic grantmaking arm of VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest active-lifestyle companies with a portfolio of iconic brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®, strives to innovate and problem solve to create a more active, equitable and sustainable world. Since its inception, The VF Foundation has granted more than $70 million globally to improve the communities where VF operates. For more information, please visit vfc.com.

    About Levi Strauss & Co. 

    Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, Denizen® and Beyond Yoga® brands. Its products are sold in more than 110 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 3,200 brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.’s reported 2023 net revenues were $6.2 billion. For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com, and for financial news and announcements go to http://investors.levistrauss.com.

    About Hearst Foundations 

    The Hearst Foundations are national philanthropic resources supporting the fields of culture, education, health and social services. The Hearst Foundations endeavor to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States have the opportunity to build healthy, productive and inspiring lives.

    About Cotton Incorporated 

    Cotton Incorporated is a research and promotion company for upland cotton. Funded by U.S. cotton growers and importers of Upland cotton-containing products, the not-for-profit organization’s mission is to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton. As a resource for the cotton industry, Cotton Incorporated conducts or oversees more than 450 research and educational projects in an average year. To learn more about cotton and sustainability, visit CottonToday.com and follow along on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

  • VF Foundation Joins U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund

    Morrisville, NC, April 11, 2022. The VF Foundation announced today that it will join the Soil Health Institute’s (SHI) U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund (USRCF) as a Sustaining Supporter. The USRCF is a unique, farmer-facing, science-based initiative designed to support long-term, sustainable cotton production in the United States, with the goal of eliminating one million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the atmosphere by 2026.
     
    “The VF Foundation is excited to continue its support of the Soil Health Institute and join the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund,” said Gloria Schoch, Executive Director, The VF Foundation and Director of Global Impact, VF Corporation. “This initiative complements our corporate efforts to advance regenerative agricultural practices by taking a farmer-centric approach to scale these practices and measure their impacts when growing cotton, a key material used by VF brands and across the apparel industry.”
     
    The VF Foundation’s support of the USRCF directly contributes to the Institute’s efforts in Texas, where approximately 60% of U.S. cotton is grown. Support will help establish farmer-to-farmer mentoring networks, conduct economic analysis of regenerative soil health systems, increase access and opportunity for minority students in scientific leadership positions, and establish Soil Health and Soil Carbon Targets so growers know how healthy their soils can become and how much carbon they can draw down. In 2019, VF Corporation set ambitious science-based targets and is committed to sourcing 100 percent of its top 9 materials from regenerative, responsibly sourced renewable or recycled sources by 2030, as a key pathway to achieve its climate goals.
     
    “We are grateful for The VF Foundation’s past support that served as a catalyst for establishing the USRCF to assist cotton farmers and their advisors across the U.S. with building resilience to drought and mitigating the effects of climate change,” said Dr. Cristine Morgan, Chief Scientific Officer and leader of the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund. “Widespread adoption of regenerative agricultural practices is hindered by lack of information on the business case, locally relevant education programs and grower networks, and locally established Soil Health and Carbon Targets. These measures can arm growers with specific knowledge to demonstrate how much their soil health can improve and how that healthier soil can translate into drought resilience, yield stability, profitability, and drive additional benefits.”
     
    The USRCF works to unite the interests of farmers, partners, and financial supporters around soil health as the foundation for regenerative agriculture. The Fund was initiated in 2021 with a founding grant from the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation to the Soil Health Institute.
    Participating partners of the Fund include Cotton Incorporated, National Cotton Council, and Field to Market.
     
    To learn more about the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund visit https://soilhealthinstitute.org/usrcf/ or contact Byron Rath at brath@soilhealthinstitute.org.
     
    About the VF Foundation
    The VF Foundation is the private grantmaking organization funded by VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with iconic brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland®, Smartwool®, JanSport® and Dickies®. With its partners, The VF Foundation strives to innovate and problem-solve in collaborative ways to drive transformative, lasting change with the vision of creating a more equitable and sustainable world. Established in 2002, the Foundation has granted nearly $60 million globally to meaningfully improve the communities where VF operates. It’s committed to driving movements for the betterment of people and the planet across its key strategic pillars: championing Worthy Work, embracing Outside Matters, empowering creativity and self-expression as we are Free to Be, and supporting Disaster Relief and Recovery. Learn more at https://www.vfc.com/responsibility/the-vf-foundation.
     
    About the Soil Health Institute
    The Soil Health Institute is a global non-profit with a mission of safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils through scientific research and advancement. The Institute brings together leaders in soil health science and the industry to conduct research and empower farmers and other landowners with the knowledge to successfully adopt regenerative soil health systems that contribute economic and environmental benefits to agriculture and society. The Institute’s scientific team holds doctorates in various soil science and related disciplines, with specialties in carbon cycling, nutrient cycling, water cycling, nutrient management, farmer and adviser education, ecosystem services, soil-plant relationships, on-farm economics, and others. The Institute’s programs are guided by a comprehensive strategy for advancing adoption of regenerative soil health systems, as briefly described in this 5-minute video. Healthy soils are the foundation for restoring our land. Together, we can create a secure future for all, mitigate the effects of climate change, and help farmers and organizations meet production and environmental goals at scale. Visit www.soilhealthinstitute.org to learn more, and follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

  • Soil Health Institute Announces Speakers for its Annual Meeting

    The Soil Health Institute (SHI), the non-profit charged with safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils, announced today its lineup of agricultural leaders, scientists, and practitioners who will speak at its annual meeting, “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life.”

    The two-day virtual event on August 11 and 12, 2021 will kick off with a keynote presentation from Moira Mcdonald, Director of the Environment Program with the Walton Family Foundation.

    Other highlights of the event will include:

    • Panel Discussion: Three farmers will describe their experiences adopting a soil health system.
    • Taryn Barclay, Cargill’s Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, will lead a session on the “Business Case for Regenerative Soil Health Systems.”
    • Dr. Julie Howe and Dr. Terry Gentry, both with Texas A&M University, will present their assessments on the “State of the Science: Impacts of Fertilizers, Manures, Pesticides, and Biological Additives on Soil Health.”
    • Dr. Arnab Bhowmik of North Carolina A&T State University will describe how soil microbial processes impact nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Dr. Ashley Shade of Michigan State University will share insights from her research into how soil microbial interactions influence their resilience, and Dr. Elizabeth Rieke, Soil Microbiome Scientist with the Soil Health Institute will provide results of a continental assessment on how tillage impacts soil microbial communities that serve various roles in healthy soils.
    • Marc Bernard will describe “4 per 1000,” the international initiative among approximately 40 countries using soil health as a framework to increase soil carbon sequestration by 0.4% per year.
    • Dr. Rodrigo Nicoloso of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) will address how the depth of carbon storage is affected by management – a key issue for carbon markets.
    • Dr. Cristine Morgan, Chief Scientific Officer with the Soil Health Institute, will introduce the concept of “Soil Health Targets,” the Institute’s approach for establishing and scaling soil health interpretations for farmers, conservation planners, and others.

    These and more topics will be covered. There is no cost to attend the event, but you must register at https://soilhealthinstitute.org/2021-annual-meeting. The website also includes a detailed schedule, a full list of speakers, and their bios.

    Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) will be available for Tri-Society members who attend the virtual conference.

    “We are excited to bring together this esteemed group of professionals to share their soil health knowledge that can significantly benefit farmers and the environment,” said Dr. Wayne Honeycutt, CEO of the Soil Health Institute. “Whether you’re a grower, agribusiness, consultant, scientist, field conservationist, government or NGO employee, this conference has valuable information for you to advance the science, adoption, and environmental benefits of soil health.”

    For more information about “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life,” speaker bios, the schedule, and to register, visit https://soilhealthinstitute.org/2021-annual-meeting.

    ABOUT SOIL HEALTH INSTITUTE

    The Soil Health Institute is a global non-profit with a mission to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soil through scientific research and advancement. We bring together leaders in soil health science and the industry to help farmers, ranchers, and landowners adopt soil health systems that build drought resilience, stabilize yield, and benefit their bottom line. The Institute’s team of scientists, holding doctorates in various soil science and related disciplines, has developed highly effective soil health targets and standardized measurements to quantify progress at achieving regenerative and sustainable agricultural systems, and leads the cutting-edge fields of carbon sequestration and decoding the soil microbiome. Healthy soils are the foundation for rejuvenating our land. Together, we can create a secure future for all, mitigate the effects of climate change, and help agriculture and organizations meet production and environmental goals at scale. Visit soilhealthinstitute.org to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

  • Soil Health Institute Selected as Soil Science Research Partner for Dairy Net Zero Initiative

    The Soil Health Institute (SHI), the non-profit charged with safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils, has been selected as the soil science research partner for Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration, an essential project to advance the work of the U.S. dairy Net Zero Initiative (NZI).

    In support of the NZI, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) has awarded a $10 million grant as the on-farm pathway to advance the industrywide 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals set by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

    The funding will support a six-year project – “Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration: building soil health to reduce greenhouse gases, improve water quality and enable new economic benefits” – that will produce data to be broadly shared among the dairy community to:

    • Provide measurement-based assessments of dairy’s greenhouse gas footprint for feed production
    • Set the stage for new market opportunities related to carbon, water quality, and soil health

    The FFAR grant will be matched by financial contributions from NZI partners such as Nestlé, the dairy industry, including Newtrient, and in-kind support for a total of $23.2 million. The funds will be managed by the Dairy Research Institute (DRI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity founded and staffed by Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) to conduct vital research on behalf of the industry. SHI will work alongside DMI scientists to address research gaps in feed production and manure-based fertilizers that, once filled, will enable new markets, incentives, and investments in dairy sustainability.

    “Addressing the U.S. dairy industry’s emissions is a critical solution to climate change,” said FFAR Executive Director Dr. Sally Rockey. “I know dairy farmers are working hard to decrease their environmental footprint and I’m thrilled to support their efforts by advancing research needed to adopt climate-smart practices on dairy farms across the country.”

    Through foundational science, on-farm pilots, and development of new product markets, NZI aims to knock down barriers and create incentives for farmers that will lead to economic viability and positive environmental impact.

    “After six years, we will have data that accurately reflect our farms’ greenhouse gas footprint for dairy crop rotations with consideration for soil health management practices and new manure-based products,” said Dr. Jim Wallace, senior vice president of environmental research for DMI. “We expect to develop critical insights that link soil health outcomes, such as carbon sequestration, with practice and technology adoption. This will provide important background information to support the development of new carbon and water quality markets.” 

    Specifically, SHI will be responsible for:

    • Providing the design, implementation, and technical expertise, from plot to national scales, for measuring soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil carbon storage.
    • Quantifying the role of new manure products and soil health systems for reducing the greenhouse gas footprint of dairy feed production.

    “Through the adoption of soil health systems, research has shown many on-farm and environmental benefits,” said Dr. Cristine Morgan, Chief Scientific Officer at the Soil Health Institute, ”We’re excited to apply these learnings to a dairy context and validate, beyond a proof of concept, real-world outcomes of adopting soil health management and novel manure products on soil health, water quality, and greenhouse gases that have a positive impact for the planet.”

    The project will be executed across four dairy regions responsible for about 80 percent of U.S. milk production: Northeast, Lakes, Mountain, and Pacific. It entails a collaboration of NZI, the Soil Health Institute, and leading dairy research institutions, including: Cornell University, University of California at Davis, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, University of Vermont, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research in Kimberly, Idaho.

    Dozens of dairies representing climates and soils of these major production regions will participate in a baseline survey of soil health and carbon storage. Additionally, eight farms, including five operating dairies, two university research dairies, and one USDA ARS research farm, will participate in the project. These pilots will be used to engage farmers in soil health management practices and monitor changes in greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon storage, soil health, and water quality.

    FFAR builds public-private partnerships to support bold science that fills critical research gaps. Working with partners across the private and public sectors, FFAR identifies urgent challenges facing the food and agriculture industry and funds research to develop solutions.

    NZI is an industry-wide effort led by six national dairy organizations: DMI, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, International Dairy Foods Association, Newtrient, National Milk Producers Federation, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council. This collaboration represents a critical pathway on U.S. dairy’s sustainability journey.

    Ultimately, NZI hopes to support the industry to advance toward its collective goals, realize untapped value to support economic viability, and enable other industries and communities to be more sustainable.

    For more information about dairy sustainability, visit www.usdairy.com/sustainability.

    ABOUT SOIL HEALTH INSTITUTE

    The Soil Health Institute is a global non-profit with a mission to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soil through scientific research and advancement. We bring together leaders in soil health science and the industry to help farmers, ranchers, and landowners adopt soil health systems that build drought resilience, stabilize yield, and benefit their bottom line. The Institute’s team of scientists, holding doctorates in various soil science and related disciplines, has developed highly effective soil health targets and standardized measurements to quantify progress at achieving regenerative and sustainable agricultural systems, and leads the cutting-edge fields of carbon sequestration and decoding the soil microbiome. Healthy soils are the foundation for rejuvenating our land. Together, we can create a secure future for all, mitigate the effects of climate change, and help agriculture and organizations meet production and environmental goals at scale. Visit soilhealthinstitute.org to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

    ABOUT DAIRY MANAGEMENT INC. 

    Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) is funded by America’s 35,000 dairy farmers, as well as dairy importers. Created to help increase sales and demand for dairy products, DMI and its related organizations work to increase demand for dairy through research, education and innovation, and to maintain confidence in dairy foods, farms and businesses. DMI manages National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association, and founded the U.S. Dairy Export Council, and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. 

    ABOUT THE INNOVATION CENTER FOR U.S. DAIRY®

    The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy is a forum that brings together the dairy community to address the changing needs and expectations of consumers through a framework of shared best practices and accountability. Initiated in 2008 by dairy farmers, Innovation Center members collaborate on efforts that are important both to us and our valued customers – issues like animal care, food safety, nutrition and health, the environment and economics. The Innovation Center is committed to continuous improvement from farm to table, striving to provide the world responsibly produced dairy foods that nourish people, strengthen communities and foster a sustainable future.

    ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR FOOD & AGRICULTURE RESEARCH

    The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement USDA’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

  • Soil Health Institute Announces Virtual Annual Meeting

    The Soil Health Institute (SHI), the non-profit charged with safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils, announced today its much-anticipated annual meeting will be held on August 11 and 12, 2021. This year’s theme is “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life” and the event will be hosted virtually.

    “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life” is designed to connect and advance the science, adoption, and environmental benefits of soil health. A wide array of practical information, research, and actionable takeaways will be presented that is relevant to farmers, agribusiness, consultants, scientists, field conservationists, government, and non-governmental organization professionals around the world. There is no cost to attend the event, but you must register at https://soilhealthinstitute.org/2021-annual-meeting.

    The two-day event will feature six plenary sessions:

    • Farmers’ Experiences with Adopting Soil Health Systems
    • Business Case for Regenerative Soil Health Systems
    • Agricultural Input Impacts on Soil Health
    • Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation through Soil Health
    • Establishing Soil Health Interpretations for Farmers and Conservation Planners
    • Understanding and Managing the Soil Microbiome

    Each day, sessions will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, break for an hour, then resume from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

    “We’re at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change,” said Dr. Wayne Honeycutt, CEO of the Soil Health Institute. “Our organization hosts this event to connect more people to the most recent science behind soil health to empower implementation of practices and soil health systems that not only benefit farmers’ livelihoods but can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient runoff, and provide many other environmental benefits worldwide.”

    For more information about the “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life” event and to register, visit https://soilhealthinstitute.org/2021-annual-meeting.

    ABOUT SOIL HEALTH INSTITUTE

    The Soil Health Institute is a global non-profit with a mission to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soil through scientific research and advancement. We bring together leaders in soil health science and the industry to help farmers, ranchers, and landowners adopt soil health systems that build drought resilience, stabilize yield, and benefit their bottom line. The Institute’s team of scientists, holding doctorates in various soil science and related disciplines, has developed highly effective soil health targets and standardized measurements to quantify progress at achieving regenerative and sustainable agricultural systems, and leads the cutting-edge fields of carbon sequestration and decoding the soil microbiome. Healthy soils are the foundation for rejuvenating our land. Together, we can create a secure future for all, mitigate the effects of climate change, and help agriculture and organizations meet production and environmental goals at scale. Visit soilhealthinstitute.org to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

  • Soil Health Institute 5th Annual Meeting

    The Soil Health Institute (SHI), a non-profit organization charged with safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soil, today released its 5th Annual Meeting Agenda. Registration is open for Soil Health: The Foundation for Regenerative Agriculture, SHI’s first-ever virtual annual meeting. There is no registration fee; however, registration is required to attend. The online meeting will be held July 30 and 31, 2020.

    The annual meeting will host 28 distinguished panelists and speakers, including farmers, soil scientists, food manufacturing leaders, and policy experts. The keynote will be provided by Jay Watson, Sourcing Sustainability Engagement Manager at General Mills, Inc., who leads General Mills, Inc.’s greenhouse gas reduction and regenerative agriculture commitments.

    Among the meeting topics:

    • Comprehensive Strategy for Advancing Soil Health
    • Determining Effective Measurements of Soil Health
    • Dimensions of Adoption
    • Filling the Economics Gap for Farmers
    • Soil Health Policies and Programs in Action

    In addition to the plenary sessions, a virtual Video Poster Session will feature up to 80 3-minute video research presentations.

    “The level of enthusiasm we have received for Soil Health: The Foundation for Regenerative Agriculture is very inspiring,” said Dr. Wayne Honeycutt, SHI president and CEO. “We are excited at the opportunity for reaching a broad, and hopefully global, audience with the latest information for advancing the science and practicality of soil health.”

    For more information and to register for the annual meeting, please visit https://soilhealthinstitute.org/annual-meeting-2020/.

    About the Soil Health Institute

    The Soil Health Institute (www.soilhealthinstitute.org) is a non-profit whose mission is to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soil through scientific research and advancement. The Institute works with its many stakeholders to identify gaps in research and adoption; develop strategies, networks and funding to address those gaps; and ensure beneficial impact of those investments to agriculture, the environment and society.

  • Public Invited to Visit SJV Soil Health Demo Site in Five Points

    UC Cooperative Extension cropping systems specialist Jeff Mitchell is issuing a standing invitation to the public to visit the site of an ongoing conservation agriculture research project and see for themselves the results of long-term soil-building practices.

    “Every Friday morning from 9 o’clock till noon, beginning in February and going through June, I invite folks to come to the project site to see up close and personal just what soil health means,” Mitchell said.

    The project, funded by the National Research Initiative, compares plots that have been managed for more than 20 years in an annual rotation of cotton, processing tomatoes and more recently sorghum, garbanzos, and melons, under four different treatments: no-tilled plus cover crops, no-tilled with no cover crops, conventionally tilled with cover crops and conventionally tilled without cover crops.

    “What we’ve got at this site is a very long-term example of exactly what implementation of a small set of soil care, or soil health, principles really means for soil function and management,” he said.

    Mitchell says that the study site in Five Points is a valuable resource for the people of California because of its dedicated adherence to principles that are widely touted to improve production efficiencies, reduce emissions, cycle nutrients more tightly, and reduce inputs over time.

    “I recently heard about the value of publicly showcasing long-term sites such as the one we’ve got in Five Points. It’s being done in several other places, including the Dakotas and in Europe,” Mitchell said. “It just seems to make sense to open up our field more widely to folks who might be interested in seeing the remarkable changes we’ve seen and monitored for a long time.”

    According to Mitchell, the NRI Project field is already “the most visited research field in the state,” but with this new invitation, he is hoping to have an even broader and wider impact.  “We’ve got a simply amazing resource here and I want folks to see it,” he says. The study has also been selected as one of the monitoring sites of the North American Project to Evaluate Soil Health Measurements that has been initiated by the Soil Health Institute of Morrisville, NC.

    More than 30 peer-reviewed scientific articles have been published based on work done in this study field.

    The NRI Project is located at the University of California’s West Side Research and Extension Center, 17353 W. Oakland Ave., in Five Points.

    “I promise to be out there every Friday morning from Feb. 15 through June 26,” he said.