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Digging Deep: Root Connections event highlights the power of healthy soils

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Cover Crop Demonstration

NRCS played a key role in this year’s Root Connections event on Aug. 8, an initiative started by a local farmer to bridge the gap between farmers and non-farmers by showcasing how food is grown. 

GILBY, N.D. — The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) played a key role in this year’s Root Connections event on Aug. 8, an initiative started by a local farmer to bridge the gap between farmers and non-farmers by showcasing how food is grown. The event, which attracted a diverse crowd, was aimed at educating the public about modern agricultural practices and the vital role of healthy soils. 

NRCS contributed to the event by running the rainfall simulator, a popular demonstration that vividly illustrates the impact of soil health on water absorption and runoff.
“Our goal was to show the community just how crucial healthy soils are for sustainable agriculture,” said NRCS Grand Forks District Conservationist Kevin Gietzen. “The rainfall simulator is a powerful tool for demonstrating the benefits of practices like cover cropping and no-till farming. It’s important that everyone, not just farmers, understands the foundation that soil health provides for our food system.”

Root Connections, now in its second year, has grown into a significant community event, offering a hands-on learning experience about farming. This free event was sponsored by the North Dakota Soybean Council, North Dakota Corn Growers Association, North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, and North Dakota Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE). These organizations, along with NRCS, are dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices and educating the public about the importance of agriculture in everyday life.

Participants left with a better understanding of how their food is grown and the critical role of soil health in ensuring the sustainability of agricultural systems. The NRCS’s involvement underscores its commitment to promoting soil conservation practices that enhance farm productivity while protecting the environment.

For more information on financial assistance and technical advice, contact your local NRCS field office or visit the North Dakota NRCS website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/north-dakota.

Rainfall Simulator
NRCS Grand Forks Soil Conservationist Ryan Thorson explains the rainfall simulator, a popular demonstration that vividly illustrates the impact of soil health on water absorption and runoff during the Root Connections event on Aug. 8. Root Connections is an initiative started by a local farmer to bridge the gap between farmers and non-farmers by showcasing how food is grown. (Photo courtesy of Greater Grand Forks Way Cooler Than You Think)
Root Connections
NRCS Grand Forks District Conservationist Kevin Gietzen talks with future farmers about the critical role of soil health in ensuring the sustainability of agricultural systems. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) played a key role in this year’s Root Connections event on Aug. 8, an initiative started by a local farmer to bridge the gap between farmers and non-farmers by showcasing how food is grown. The event, which attracted a diverse crowd, was aimed at educating the public about modern agricultural practices and the vital role of healthy soils. (Photo courtesy of Greater Grand Forks Way Cooler Than You Think)