Farmers and ranchers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of soil quality/health to the productivity and sustainability of their agricultural system. Research and field observations have demonstrated that carefully managed manure applications can contribute to improved soil quality with limited environmental and social risks. However, a comprehensive assemblage of outputs and conclusions from research studies, field trials, soil labs databases, and other sources has never been developed. Therefore, the purpose of the initiative, Manure & Soil Health: Understanding and Advancing the State of the Science, is to assemble current knowledge on this topic, make it available to those influencing manure and land management decisions, and use it to inform and facilitate future research and service needs. The intent of the roundtables is to improve our understanding of: current knowledge, critical and emerging issues for which there are knowledge gaps, and information needs of farmers and their advisors.
What’s A Roundtable?
The four, hour-long roundtables consisted of a panel discussion with experts who were asked to summarize their current understanding of topics. Each panel also included a practitioner who shared perspectives on critical information needs of farmers and advisors and field experiences relative to use of manure. Panels were moderated to encourage interaction with audience. Roundtable participants were invited to ask questions of panelists and share expertise and experience.
When Were The Roundtables Held?
| Date/Time | Topic | Panel Experts |
|
February 9, 2017 |
Manure and Soil Health Testing | Bianca Moebius-Clune Donna Brandt Russell Dresbach Geoff Ruth |
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February 16, 2017 |
Manure and Soil Biology | Rhae Drijber Michele Soupir Dr. Jonathan Lundgren |
|
February 23, 2017 |
Manure and Soil Erosion, Runoff, and Losses | Nathan Nelson John Gilley Mike Kucera Andy Scholting |
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March 9, 2017 |
Manure and Cover Crops | Tim Harrigan Barry Fisher Heidi Johnson Sarah Carlson |