Take part in a dynamic, hands-on Soil Health Workshop designed to deepen your understanding of soil systems and their vital role in sustainable agriculture. Hosted across two locations in Dickinson and Manning, ND, this event brings together leading experts in soil science, food systems, and conservation to explore the interconnected layers of soil health—from carbon cycles to cropping systems.

The Morning Session: Foundations of Soil Health will begin with welcome and opening remarks from Douglas Landblom, Beef Cattle & Integrated Systems Specialist at the Dickinson Research Extension Center. Naeem Kalwar, Extension Soil Health Specialist from the Langdon Research Extension Center, will then outline key properties used to assess soil health. Carlos Pires, Assistant Professor of Extension Soil Health at NDSU, will explore the interconnectedness of soil health and the carbon cycle, followed by Shaundra Ziemann-Bolinske, Extension Food Systems Program Coordinator at NDSU, who will discuss how soil conditions influence food production in her talk, “You are what you eat. How does soil health affect food production?” Jay Fuhrer, Soil Health Specialist with NRCS, will conclude the session with insights on soil regeneration and restoring land vitality from the ground up. A lunch break will follow, offering attendees a chance to relax and network with fellow participants.

The Afternoon Session: Field Demonstrations & Applied Science will offer participants a practical, in-the-field look at soil health strategies and innovations. Krista Bryan, Soil Survey Leader with NRCS, will lead a soil pit demonstration, provide a close-up view of soil layers and discuss how physical characteristics influence land management decisions. Larry Cihacek, Professor in NDSU’s Department of Soil Science, will follow with a presentation on the role of legumes in diverse cropping systems, emphasizing their benefits for soil fertility, structure, and long-term sustainability.

The morning session will be held at the Biesiot Activities Center, 398 State Ave., Dickinson, ND. The no-cost event is open to farmers and landowners, though an RSVP is required to ensure an adequate meal count. Call or email Sheryl Schneider at 701-456-1120 or sheryl.schneider@ndsu.edu. The afternoon session will be held at DREC Section 19, Manning, ND (from Hwy 22, turn west onto 15th St. SW and travel 5.2 miles to the field site.) Continuing education units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisers will be offered on the day of the event. 

Requests for accommodations related to disability should be made to the event contact person at least two weeks in advance of the event. Call or email Douglas Landblom at 701-456-1109 or douglas.landblom@ndsu.edu.