Almost 30 years later and working for USDA-NRCS as a grazing and animal nutrition specialist, soil plays a big part of how I think about pastures now. There is so much more going on below the soil surface than I remember learning about in college. Interactions between plant roots and soil micro-organisms, earthworms aerating the soil, plants working together to bring nutrients up from different root zones – these feed the plants that feed our animals.
A big part of my understanding comes from NRCS Soil Scientist Ray Archuleta. He is probably one of the best speakers I’ve ever heard on soils – too bad I didn’t have him in college! Lately, Ray has been sharing his enthusiasm for all things soil as part of these “Soil Health in a Minute” videos created by the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. In just a few short minutes you’ll see:
What Healthy Soil Should Look Like
What Healthy Soil Should Smell Like
The Consequences of Tillage on Soil Function
How Cover Improves Soil Health
How to Do a Simple Soil Stability Test
Editors Note: If you enjoyed this and you’re in the New York area July 17th – 19th, check out the Grasstravaganza event that Karen is helping organize. “Pasture Soil Health Creates Wealth” is being held on the Morrisville State College campus, and includes some hands-on soil health stations and tours of local farms, including dairy, equine, and multi-species grazing operations. Learn more here: www.grasstravaganza.morrisville.edu. And if you register before June 30th, you’ll get the early bird rate!