Learn how to correctly take soil samples to be submitted for Soil Health Testing for NRCS program participation

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Prince George’s Soil Conservation District welcome you to attend a Soil Health Test Sampling Training on Friday, May 29th at Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD. This training is for Southern Maryland farmers interested in learning how to correctly take soil samples to be submitted for Soil Health Testing (this includes the Cornell Soil Health test and similar tests). This training is particularly geared toward training farmers and “Qualified Individuals” who are completing Soil Health Testing(216) as part of a contract with NRCS’s Regenerative Ag Pilot Program.

NRCS Soil Scientists will provide in-field training and demonstrations of sampling techniques and procedures for collecting and evaluating soil samples. These tests can be a helpful tool for farmers looking to improve their soil health. This type of testing goes beyond typical sampling methods for traditional nutrient management samples.

Please RSVP by May 22nd to guarantee your spot. For questions about this event please contact Colleen Kiefer at colleen.kiefer@usda.gov.

Location:

Clagett Farm

11904 Old Marlboro Pike,

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Date: Friday, May 29th

Time: 9am-1pm

Tentative Agenda:

9:00-9:15 – Introductions

9:15-9:30 – Introduction to Clagett Farm and their approach to Soil Sampling & Soil Health – Kayla Brennan (CBF Clagett Farm)

9:30-11:15– Soil Health Test Sampling – Annie Rossi-Gill (NRCS)

• How to select the best site for sampling
• In-field demonstration of soil health sampling
• How to prepare samples for the lab

11:15-11:30 – Light Refreshments + Restroom Break

11:30-12:30 – Understanding lab results & how to apply them to build soil health – Annie Rossi-Gill (NRCS)

12:30 – 12:45 – Financial Assistance opportunities for building soil health – Colleen Kiefer (NRCS)

12:45 – 1:00 pm – Q&A