Introduction to Soil Health Management

Course Dates: Six weeks, Oct 15- Nov 22, 2024

Registration Deadline: October 8, 2024

48 hrs CE

Faculty: Dr. Garrett Liles [Bio(opens in new window)]

Understand the connection between soil health and primary productivity and, ultimately, food and fiber quality. This course will cover soil properties, metrics of soil health, and influences of production practices and soil management systems (integrated practices) on these components. Soil sampling, analysis and interpretation are presented, along with monitoring strategies to ensure on-farm success. 

Topics Include:

• Basics of soil health: degradation and restoration.
• Organic matter: the living, the dead, and the very dead part of soil.
• Physical nature of soils: the what, where, and how of soil formation and loss.
• Soils and plants: biological, chemical, and physical property influences on plant health.
• Nutrient management: considering source, rate, time, and place when using livestock and plant waste to build soil health.
• Irrigation technology and management strategies.
• Soil testing and monitoring: what and when.

This class is available to be taken singly for continuing education purposes or general interest. It is a required course for the Technical Assistance Provider Certification Program(opens in new window).