Soil Health Workshop for Beginning Farmers: Understanding Soil Testing and Amendments

Join us for a hands-on workshop tailored for beginning farmers and ranchers eager to enhance soil health. USDA  Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) experts will cover soil testing essentials (OM, EC, CEC) and strategies for managing high pH soils through amendments.

Date: April 11, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, followed by optional farm field trip to Wild Heart Farm, Rimrock, AZ

Agenda:

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Indoor Lecture at Willow Bend Center:

Location: Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, Flagstaff, AZ. Lecture focusing on soil testing essentials and strategies for managing high pH soils.

11:00 AM - Head to Wild Heart Farm for optional farm field trip

Optional farm field trip for workshop participants.

Location: Wild Heart Farm, Rimrock, AZ.

Noon - Lunch at WHF:

Networking lunch featuring farm-fresh produce.

12:30 - Farm Tour: Guided tour of Wild Heart Farm.

1:00 PM - Soil Tests: Hands-on soil sampling demonstration.

2:00 PM - End: Conclusion of workshop.

Highlights:

• Learn soil testing basics and interpret analyses for improved soil health.
• Gain insights on amendments tailored for high pH soils.
• Hands-on soil sampling demo during farm field trip to Wild Heart Farm.
• Networking lunch featuring farm-fresh produce.

Key Outcomes:

• Develop soil sampling proficiency.
• Identify effective amendments for soil health.
• Make informed decisions for sustainable farming practices.

Transportation is not provided for outdoor visit. Dress for outdoor activities.