The short course will feature leading researchers and producers in soil health. Speakers include Dr. Paul Delaune, assistant professor Texas A&M Research; Terry McAlister, Wichita County farmer; Dr. Jason Warren, Oklahoma State University associate professor and extension specialist; Dr. Bob Steward, director of dryland agriculture, Texas A&M Canyon; Steve Marten, Archer County farmer; and Clay Pope, Oklahoma producer and liaison with the USDA Southern Plains Climate Hub.

The short course’s unique format will pair researchers with farmers to provide the scientific dynamic soil properties followed by practical on-farm approaches to implementation.  The five Soil Health Principles will point out how soil properties are improved thru implementation of that principle, followed by conservation practices that producers use to achieve that principle.  Conservation demonstrations and soil pits will be used to show how a soil health system has improved water infiltration, soil porosity, increase biological activity, and greater nutrient efficiency. The short course will also feature a “My Land to Your Tap” social hour on February 22 that will feature a Rainfall Simulator. This demonstration will provide insight on how functioning soil is important to water providers and users downstream.

Early bird registration is $75 for the short course and $25 for the field tour by February 1, 2017, followed by regular registration of $100 and $40 respectively.  For more registration information, or opportunities to exhibit or participate in poster presentations visit the NRCS Texas website at www.tx.usda.gov and click on the Soil Health Short Course banner on the main page or call 817-550-7738.