Conducting A Soil Quality Workshop
Sundermeier, A.P., Bruynis, C., Clevenger, B., Hoorman, J., Islam, K.R.
Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, Ohio
Evaluation Summary
Abstract
After Before Knowledge
The Soil Quality Workshop instructed farmers, crop consultants, 1 = little, 5 = great deal of understanding Workshop Training Gained
Natural Resource Conservation Service and Extension Educators on
the benefits of achieving healthy soils and equipped participants with How would you describe your understanding of :
tools to determine the quality of their own soils. By testing
participants’ soil samples brought from their own fields or test plots, 1. The fundamentals of soil quality 3.94 2.84 1.10
we were able to improve farmers’ perception of what is a quality soil.
Participants will then be able to monitor future soil quality 2. Gypsum & soil amendments 3.69 2.34 1.34
improvements by using an instant soil quality test kit provided at the
workshop. Lecture topics included: Fundamentals of soil quality 3. Tillage, compaction, cover crops effects on soil quality 4.02 3.23 0.78
properties, carbon sequestration, soil quality tests, interpretation, and
recommendations. Hands on exercises included: Fixed wavelength
field colorimeter, Ohio Soil Health Card for self-assessment of soils, 4. Soil Health Card 3.78 2.06 1.72
soil quality test kit. In-field demonstrations included: Soil compaction
comparison with penetrometer, water infiltration, earthworm 5. Water infiltration, earthworm inventory, penetrometer 4.03 2.88 1.16
inventory, soil aggregate sizing. Participants brought 2 samples of
poor and 2 samples of good quality soil from fields or test plots. An CD for Sale 6. Instant soil quality color chart 3.92 1.81 2.11
instant analysis was conducted. Evaluation data collected at the
workshops assessed knowledge gained by participants by This CD contains information about the
conducting a pre – post survey. On a 1 – 5 scale, the topic of fundamentals of soil quality and active organic 7. Interpreting soil quality test results 3.83 2.27 1.56
“fundamentals of soil quality” knowledge gained 1.10, the topic matter. The impacts upon soil quality of gypsum,
“instant soil quality test kit” had 2.11 knowledge gained. Soil samples cover crops, tillage, and compaction. Soil organic 8. Recommendations for improving soil quality 3.95 2.79 1.16
collected from participants were analyzed for soil quality indicators. matter and nutrient recycling. Management
Recommendations were then made where soil quality improvements practices to improve soil quality. Instructions for
can be affected. Data was collected from participants regarding their using the Soil Quality Test Kit, which can be
perception of low, medium, or high quality soils from their own farms. ordered separately, are included. Speaker
Powerpoint presentations with audio, video of
field demonstrations, and university publications Field Demonstration
are also included. Certified Crop Advisor CEU
SOIL QUALITY TEST KIT credits. Available at Using a penetrometer
http://estore.osu-extension.org search : SQW-1
Or e-mail sundermeier.5@osu.edu to test for soil compaction
A simple test for active
organic matter as a
measure of soil quality Poor soil Fair soil Good soil Excellent soil
quality quality quality quality
> 0 to 400 > 400 – 800 > 800 – 1600 > 1600
AOM lbs/A AOM lbs/A AOM lbs/A AOM lbs/A
> 0 - 12 lbs > 12 - 26 lbs > 26 - 40 lbs > 40 lbs
available N/A available N/A available N/A available N/A
Soil quality, active organic matter (AOM), and available N color chart