Intro to Soils a Big Success!

For the third year in a row the Penn State Extension Start Farming Team filled the Intro to Soils for Beginning Farmers three night workshop to capacity. For three evenings in February, beginning farmers got their hands dirty and were eager to learn about soil management. 

The first session focused on the soil system. The class learned about soil texture, structure, chemical and biological activity. Attendees had an opportunity to do hands on soil evaluations to determine sand, silt or clay soil texture and well as comparing how management practices effect soil structure. 

The second session focused on managing soil to meet plant needs.

Topics included:

• water
• nutrients
• carbon
• oxygen
• tillage
• compost
• manure
• cover crops
• lime and fertilizer

During the final session participants had the opportunity to apply all the concepts they learned and use their own personal soil test results to plan nutrient applications for their crops or gardens. Instructors worked with attendees to calculate what sources of nutrients are needed and how to best supply those nutrients according to the soil test results and their management system. 

Look for announcements this coming fall for the location of the 2013 Introduction to Soils.