Scientists from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and Washington State University (WSU) are collaborating to survey the soil health of seven specialty crops grown in Washington. Researchers will assess the baseline soil health and develop a state-specific soil health index.
They are seeking participation from farmers growing potatoes, onions, sweet corn, pulses, tree fruit, wine grapes, and hops during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons.
Eligible participants will:
- Identify and describe their “best” and “worst” sites.
- Complete an online soil management survey.
- Allow project staff to collect “best” and “worst” soil samples.
The project will use in-field measurements and soil samples to analyze field and lab indicators of soil health. The management practices survey will provide background on practices that may affect soil health.
Participants will receive a soil health report of their “best” and “worst” sites, including comparisons to regional soil health data and other soil health indices.
Eligible participants will be selected for the first year of the study in January 2020. Sampling will begin in the spring. WSU staff will lead the field sampling effort and will communicate directly with farmers to arrange for convenient field access.
For more information, or to sign up for the survey, contact:
Rachel Seman-Varner, 360-584-3414, rseman-varner@agr.wa.gov
Deirdre Griffin LaHue, 360-848-6127, d.griffin@wsu.edu
Leslie Michel, 509-731-9895, lmichel@agr.wa.gov
The project is funded through the WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
