In today’s Strip-Till Farmer podcast, brought to you by Topcon Agriculture, USDA research soil scientist Dr. Kristen Veum shares ongoing research and initiatives to include ways to enhance soil microbiology and a forecast on future opportunities.

It’s been said, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” For strip-tillers, getting an accurate read on soil health is key to prescribing the right remedy for nutrient-deficient areas. Dr. Kristen Veum, research soil scientist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Columbia, Mo., has studied assessment of soil quality in agro-ecosystems, development and refinement of soil quality indicators and application of sensor technology for soil quality assessment.

The Institute will unveil the Soil Health Action Plan at 9 a.m., May 18, at the First Amendment Lounge, National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC 20045.

The South Health Institute plans to establish national baselines for soil health, build knowledge of soil-health economics, offer educational programs and coordinate research on the topic.