Bow Creek Field Day to highlight soil biology

HARTINGTON — Join us for the third annual Bow Creek Field Day June 29, in Crofton.

Dr. Elaine Ingham, Soil Food Inc. founder, will discuss how soil biology can reduce the need for commercial ag inputs and increase farm functioning. Jimmy Emmons will share his journey to be a better steward of the land while increasing farm profits by focusing on biology. Local producers will share how they are putting these ideas into practice in the Bow Creek Watershed area.

There will be a two-day Soil Learning Lab, June 30 and July 1, that will focus on microscopy skills for farmers and consultants to identify soil biology and how to make and use compost for increased production efficiency and profit.

All generations of farmers have faced challenges, including drought, floods, erosion, fluctuating commodity prices, plant and animal diseases, and pressures on profitability. Water quality and emissions are also becoming a challenge and concern to the public. Often, agriculture production is identified as a contributing factor.

There is no cookie cutter program to solve all the challenges, however, more research is pointing to soil biology as part of the solution. Diverse soil microbes perform different tasks in the soil that can mitigate the impacts of drought, flooding, pests, disease and erosion. Microbes in the soil can react to changing conditions in real time to support crop and grass production, even when weather conditions keep us out of the field or pasture. Management practices either enhance or diminish soil biology, and the same management practices can also positively impact water quality and greenhouse gas emissions.

There is no cost to Lewis & Clark NRD farmers, ranchers, agronomists and crop advisors. Register by calling Lewis & Clark NRD at 402-254-6758 or visiting online at www.lcnrd.nebraska.gov.