The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place April 5 at noon CDT will feature Minerva J. Dorantes, Ph.D., CCA project soil scientist, and Shannon Moeller, soil health educator, at the Soil Health Institute. The Soil Health Institute is a global nonprofit with a mission to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soils. In her work, Dorantes applies pedagogic principles and statistical analysis for optimized soil sampling and management-based assessment of soil health indicators. Moeller’s background includes hands-on conservation project work and a deep commitment to learning from farmers and keeping up with the latest developments in soil health knowledge and the implementation of soil health practices on farms.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

In the webinar, “Soil Health Institute’s Study to Assess Soil Health in the Des Moines Lobe Region of Iowa,” Dorantes and Moeller will highlight a study currently being conducted by the Soil Health Institute in the Des Moines Lobe of Iowa. The study is designed to help determine the achievable levels of soil health and soil carbon for the most cultivated soil types in the region. They will also discuss the study goals to provide farmers and their advisers with scientifically credible, measurement-based guidance and to help them understand the outcomes of implementing soil health practices. In addition, they will provide information for farmers interested in learning more or participating in the study.

“Soil health benefits growers, the environment and society in many ways,” said Dorantes. “Determining achievable levels of soil health for different soil types is foundational to our efforts and of importance to growers and landowners who manage the soil resource. We are eager to connect with farmers and farmland owners in the Des Moines Lobe region of Iowa who are interested in learning more about this project.”

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

Shortly before 12:00 pm CT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Or, join via phone:

Dial:  312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 364 284 172