Topics:
- Results from the WSARE project Implementation of Big Sacaton, Sporobolus wrightii, Grass Wind Strips on Arid Range-and Farmland for Soil, Water and Biodiversity Enhancement
- Introduction to the Soil Food Web
- Hands-on soil microscopy exploration
- Compost extract demonstrations
- Soil sample collection and preparation
This Field Day concludes our series about a Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) funded project investigating use of Giant Sacaton, Sporobolus wrightii, in windbreaks on farms and ranches. Deep-rooted and fast growing, Giant Sacaton is an impressive grass native to the arid Southwest, standing up to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Planted as a hedgerow or wind break, it can help prevent erosion, trap dust, and create a better environment for beneficial soil microbes.
Join us for a short presentation of final datasets and a tour around Synergia Ranch to look at grass seedlings in different stages of development. After lunch, you will learn about the Soil Food Web and how to use microscopy to identify soil organisms for qualitative soil health assessments used in the study.
This workshop is for beginners and experienced soil nerds alike. Several microscopes and instructors will be available to get you started while we’ll also try some more advanced techniques, e.g. nematode extractions.
Lunch will be prepared by Synergia Ranch’s kitchen with seasonal produce from their market garden! This Field Day is free of charge, but please register so we know how much food to prepare.
Learn about the WSARE project and the Soil Food Web:
The Benefits of Windbreaks for Soil Biology
Windbreaks are a valuable tool for building soil health and a sustainable, resilient landscape.
Intro to the Soil Food Web
Learn about the network of organisms living in soil ecosystems, including plants, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and many more.
Healthy Soil is Full of Life!
Get to know some of the wondrous creatures that make up our soil ecosystems.
Can on-farm Windbreaks boost Soil Health and Biodiversity?
Western SARE funded project investigates the impact of windbreaks on farms and rangelands.
Soil Safari!
Live microscopy session: Take a deep dive into the wild world of creatures inhabiting the soil beneath our feet.
This Field Day is offered by Synergia Ranch in collaboration with Brightway Ag and NM Healthy Soil Working Group.
This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2023-38640-39571 through the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward project number G139-25-WA507. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
