Pires To Speak On "How Is Soil Organic Matter Like Money In The Bank"

Dr. Carlos B. Pires, NDSU Soil Health assistant professor, will be speaking in the morning session of the 72nd Annual National Hard Spring Wheat Show to be held at the Grand Hotel and Conference Center in Williston, Jan. 28.

He will speak on "How is Soil Organic Matter Like Money in the Bank". His presentation will explore why not all soil organic matter is made equal, highlighting its chemical, physical, and biological benefits to soils. Additionally, he will discuss how soil organic matter functions much like money in the bank, acting as a savings account that can provide long-term benefits to the soil. Building organic matter is essential for improving soil health as it supplies nutrients, alleviates compaction, and boosts microbial activity. Organic matter also improves soil structure by promoting better aggregation, as well as enhancing water infiltration, retention, and drainage.

Originally from Southern Brazil, Carlos earned his B.S. and M.S. in agronomy and soil science from the Federal University of Santa Maria, focusing on soil microbial communities, tillage systems, cover crops, and crop rotations. He holds a Ph.D. in agronomy from Kansas State University, where he also completed a post-doctoral fellowship.

His research expertise includes regenerative agriculture, soil health, nutrient management, and applied soil biology. His primary objective is to monitor and improve soil health by identifying agricultural practices that foster integrated and resilient agroecosystems. This includes practices such as no-tillage, cover crops, and crop-livestock integration for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Most of his extension work is based on on-farm research, providing data-driven recommendations to help farmers improve the profitability and sustainability of their operations.