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Healthy Soils, Cover Crops, Irrigation On Agenda For Feb. 25 Meeting In McGehee
Researchers Matthew Bertucci and Amanda McWhirt with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are
conducting a series of experimental trials that may help the state’s watermelon growers improve their yields while
improving the soil and reducing pest pressure. Image taken at Kibler, Arkansas.
U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Matthew Bertucci
McGEHEE, Ark.
Better cotton starts with better soil. Growers can learn how to improve what’s underfoot at a joint meeting with Healthy Soils for Sustainable Cotton and the Arkansas Soil Health Alliance on Feb. 25 in McGehee.
The meeting, held at Hoots BBQ, 2008 U.S. 65, opens at 8:30 a.m. and runs through 3 p.m. Attendance is free, but attendees are asked to register for the event by calling Debbie Moreland at 1-501-425-2891. While geared toward cotton producers, all farmers are invited to attend. Lunch will be provided.
“Soil is more than just an anchor for plants,” Matt Fryer, extension soil health instructor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said. “It’s a matrix that provides nutrients and water, all supported by a complex system of microbes, fungi and soil organisms such as earthworms.
“Maintaining the health of this system is key to growing healthy and sustainable crops,” he said.
The joint meeting will include a farmer panel, lunch speaker and on-farm tour will help cotton growers evaluate and improve the impact of strong soil health management systems.
The agenda:
8:30-9:00 – Registration and Coffee
9:00-9:10 – Welcome and Introductions
Robby Bevis, Arkansas Soil Health Alliance president, Mike Sullivan, Arkansas State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service
9:10-9:40 – Healthy Soils for Sustainable Cotton Project, David Lamm, Soil Health Institute
9:40-10:10 – Soil Health Benefits, Willie Durham, soil health specialist USDA NRCS
10:10-10:40 – How to Effectively Apply for NRCS Funding, Jena Moore, assistant state conservationist for programs, USDA NRCS
10:40-10:50 – Break
10:50-11:20 – Water Use Dynamics with Cover Crops, Mike Hamilton – extension irrigation instructor, NRCS and Division of Agriculture
11:20-12:00 – Arkansas Producer Panel, Sam Whitaker, Steve Stevens, Robby Bevis, Facilitator: Matt Fryer, extension soil health instructor, Division of Agriculture
12:00-1:00 – Lunch, Utilizing Cover Crops on my Farm, Adam Chappell, Arkansas farmer
1:30-3:00 – Stevens/Kirkpatrick Farm Tour, 240 Stevens Rd, Tiller, AR 71670
Equipment overview, Steve Stevens
Soil Health Sampling and Discussion, Matt Fryer, extension soil health instructor, Division of Agriculture, Steve Green, professor of soils and water, Arkansas State University
“Healthy Soils for Sustainable Cotton” is supported through the generosity of the Wrangler® brand, the VF Corporation Foundation, and the Walmart Foundation. The integrated Healthy Soils for Sustainable Cotton and Arkansas Soil Health Alliance Annual Meeting has been created by the Arkansas Soil Health Alliance.
To learn more about soil health, contact Matt Fryer at mfryer@uaex.edu or 501-671-2176. To learn more about Arkansas row crop production, call your county extension office or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow the Cooperative Extension Service on Twitter at @UAEX_edu. ∆
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