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.

Ongoing studies by the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, including its annual national cover crop survey, are breaking down the benefits and best practices for cover crop usage in conservation tillage systems. Dr. Rob Myers is Regional Director of Extension Programs North Central SARE program, and oversees several projects related to cover crops and soil health both regionally and nationally.

Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and strip-tillage field day on Wednesday, June 8, from 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Bob and Linda Lynch’s farm, in rural Gilmore City. The event is free and open to the public, and includes a complimentary meal.