Moisture Management, Soil Health Discussion Set for November 14

Effective moisture management combined with feeding the “livestock” above and below ground is the theme of the 2012 Soil Health Workshop. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 14th, at the Biesiot Activities Center on the Dickinson State University Campus.

Testimony and presentations by producers from North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota will be a big part of the workshop. In addition, research soil scientists from North Dakota State University and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide new research findings, which are important to sustain soil health.

Southwest North Dakota producers, Derrick Dukart, Manning, and James Zielsdorf, Beach, will discuss grazing strategies and the benefits of cover crops respectively. Montana producer Dirk O’Connor will explain ways to conserve precipitation for its most effective use in a precipitation-lacking environment. Dan Forgery of Gettysburg, SD, will also provide a producer testimonial.

Dickinson based NRCS soil scientist, Jon Stika, will demonstrate how management practices impact soil microorganisms and how producers can create better, healthier soil by making sure the underground “livestock”, or micro-organisms, are fed. Ann-Marie Fortuna, NDSU soil scientist, will discuss the function of soil microbes and how they can increase the value of soil.

There are also two panels scheduled during this workshop. The panels will feature producers giving first-hand accounts of what works and what doesn’t work. The panels will also be an opportunity for attending producers to ask key questions regarding soil health management.

Dickinson State University assistant professor Toby Stroh will summarize the Southwest North Dakota Soil Health Demonstration Project. This event is free and open to the public.

Individuals wanting more information can contact Heidi Heintz by phone at 701-390-3222 or via email at [email protected]. The courtesy of an RSVP would be appreciated.