WSU, WSDA Asking Producers To Participate In Soil Survey

Washington State University and the state Department of Agriculture are conducting a survey focused on soil health, but they need your help.  WSU and WSDA are working together to develop a soil health index.  The project will use in-field measurements and soil samples to analyze overall soil health, as well a background on practices that may affect soil health.  Participants will receive a soil health report of their “best” and “worst” sites, including comparisons to regional soil health data and other soil health indices.

Eligible participants will be selected in January.

WSU and WSDA are looking for farmers who grow potatoes, onions, sweet corn, pulses, tree fruit, wine grapes, and hops to participate during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons.

Eligible participants will:

• Identify and describe their “best” and “worst” sites.
• Complete an online soil management survey.
• Allow project staff to collect “best” and “worst” soil samples.

To learn more, or to participate, contact one of the following individuals:

Rachel Seman-Varner, 360-584-3414
Deirdre Griffin LaHue, 360-848-6127
Leslie Michel, 509-731-9895

The project is funded through the WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com