Studying Soil Health
A one square meter quadrat lays upon the pasture to determine our sampling area. In the ground is the pH probe.
Tad “making mole” – he is breaking up our soil samples to homogenize them so that they accurately represent the soil profile.
A “toast slice” of soil. This is how we collected samples by taking 2 slices of soil with the shovel, transferring them to the bucket and homogenizing them (as above).
Tad and Bailey collecting samples. Teamwork and communication in the field is vital, many hands make light work.
Mackenzie with the soil corer.
We partner with scientists and researchers at the University of Vermont to document our farming practices and evaluate our results. Consistently gathering and measuring data in the field is essential to understanding what farming practices lead to healthy soil, water quality, carbon sequestration and other environmental benefits. The data we collect together enables us to understand the effects of our practices so we can continually improve the health and productivity of our land. The goal of this partnership with the UVM is to evaluate and establish a research protocol that can be used on farms around the state to support healthy soils and productive farms.
Meet Bailey Kretzler!
Bailey Kretzler is a PhD candidate at the UVM. She spent her summer at Philo Ridge Farm as a research associate studying and documenting high intensity grazing's impacts on soil health as part of an ongoing partnership between the farm and UVM. Below is a guest blog post by Bailey sharing what she worked on this summer and some tips for setting up your own experiment.
Studying Soil Health
On a sweltering 90-degree day in mid-July I found myself standing in the middle of a pasture. Mackenzie (an undergraduate research assistant) and I had just broken a piece of equipment that we still needed to collect soil from at least four more pastures. This was just one of many speed bumps, and in the midst of a drought and heat wave, I was worried everything was failing, that I was failing. Looking back, I see these struggles as lessons – even if they were learned through exhaustion and gritted teeth.
I have spent the past 3 months working as a summer research associate at Philo Ridge Farm. Through my experience I have been able to grow as a scientist and enhance the farm’s research program. My job has been to collect data that sets a “baseline” of soil and pasture health for the farm.
Soil health baselines are increasingly important for farms, especially those implementing regenerative agriculture practices like Philo Ridge Farm. We use this information for future reference to help us determine how our grazing strategies and management decisions have impacted our ecosystem. The overall goal is to identify livestock management strategies that balance soil health and land productivity. In doing so, we will be able to develop a synergistic relationship with the land.
Healthy soil ultimately leads to increased pasture productivity and improved benefit to our ecosystem (less run-off and pollution, and greater carbon sequestration). More productive pastures will then lead to improved animal health. Healthy, well managed animals then maintain soil health through grazing and manure deposits and the cycle restarts. Soil health baselines identify if we are operating within this synergy. Soil health is comprised of three key components: soil structure, soil chemistry, and soil biology.
Soil structure is focused on how soil particles are arranged, and if this arrangement impedes plant root growth or water movement. Soil chemistry helps us assess what nutrients are available for plants and if these nutrients are lost via run-off. Soil biology, lastly, informs us on what microscopic life exists in the soil and how this is impacting plant growth and soil carbon cycling. Each of these components is integral to soil health baselines and are measured through a unique set of procedures. These procedures, however, are not always accessible or practical and it is best to have a plan.
Throughout the summer we were dealing with many new-to-us pieces of equipment to assess soil health, which made advanced planning difficult. Our unusually dry weather this summer also made much of the equipment harder or impossible to operate. However, it is likely that some of these struggles could have been avoided with some forethought. So, here are some of my tips to you for running successful experiments on your own farm or home garden:
Tip 1: Get clear about the questions you want answered
Questions shape science, so it is crucial that we start with a well-defined question that gives us useful and applicable answers. Don’t rush to answer every question in science, instead focus on specific areas of interest. I recommend sitting down and defining your questions based off what you want to learn!
Tip 2: Read and research
Reading helps us to examine what measurements scientists have used before. It also helps us identify holes in scientific knowledge, which can inform our questions. Read about what methods do and do not work. Identify areas early on where we can contribute to scientific knowledge.
Tip 3: Plan well in advance and build in flexibility
Develop a plan before you step foot in the field or lab. Draw on the knowledge of your peers and colleagues and ask for their input. Cross check the schedule with all invested parties, and make sure to build in room for things to go wrong – flexibility is key!
Tip 4: Consult with the experts
Talking to people who have been through this process once or twice ensures that we aren’t missing any crucial components. It can also help to provide technical support or tricks of the trade. These are going to be the people who have the most insight on what works and how best to set up successful experiments. Bring in the experts early; ask for their help and carve out a role for them in the research program. UVM boasts a number of wonderful extension staff that can contribute a bounty of knowledge if the resource is tapped.
Tip 5: Be intentional about what you measure
Some measurements are not worth the hassle! Determine which measurements are useful, efficient, and applicable based on extensive literature searches and consultations with experts who has used the devices without fail.
I learned so much from my time at Philo Ridge Farm and am grateful for their continued support. I hope that my experiences can inform your citizen science and personal research. Good luck out there and stay curious!