Healthy soils start with knowing what is happening below the surface. Producers, agronomists and agriculture professionals can sharpen their observation, measurement and management skills this August during a hands-on soil health assessment training.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Soil Health Program Team is hosting a hands-on soil health assessment training — From Field Sampling to Soil Health Scores — followed by a cover crop demo tour, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Rogers Memorial Farm. This in-person training is designed for producers with or without an RCPP/RPP contract, agronomists, Certified Crop Advisors, and other agricultural professionals seeking practical soil health assessment skills.
Participants will work through the full soil health assessment process, from sampling design to interpreting soil health scores for management decisions using real field conditions.
During this training, participants will learn how to:
- Design efficient soil sampling plans by identifying representative sampling locations (by soil type, management and resource concern).
- Conduct on-site soil health assessments and soil sampling following nationwide guidelines (e.g., NRCS CEMA 216 and Technical Note 450).
- Record and organize field data and prepare soil samples for lab analysis.
- Calculate and interpret soil health indicators and connect field observations.
- Apply results to inform conservation planning and management decisions.
Participants will receive instruction, demonstrations and small-group field practice as they collect and assess soil samples, compare observations across sites, evaluate how field and lab data align, and use soil health frameworks such as SHAPE to guide practical management decisions. The workshop provides a hands-on opportunity to build soil health assessment skills, connect data to decision-making, and support farmers in developing resilient, healthy soils.
Registration is free, with participants encouraged to sign up by Monday, Aug. 10. Attendance is limited to 25 participants to ensure an interactive experience.
Lunch and a soil health kit valued at $100 will be provided to all participants. For questions or more information, contact Miranda Mueller, Soil Health Program coordinator, 402-472-4067, or Caro Córdova, soil health specialist, 402-472-6229.
This event is offered at no cost thanks to sponsorship from the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, Nebraska Soybean Board and the UNL Soil Health Program.
Rogers Memorial Farm is located at 18600 Adam St., Lincoln, NE 68527.
