By Andi Anderson
In celebration of the first-ever Ohio Soil Health Week, Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) will host a breakfast event on November 12 through its Environmental Professionals Network (EPN).
The event aims to bring together agricultural, environmental, and policy experts to discuss the importance of soil health from various perspectives, including its impacts on agriculture, environment, and human health.
Harrison Fried, EPN program director, highlighted the event's collaborative approach, inviting participants to engage in discussions on soil health’s significance.
“This breakfast brings a diverse group of individuals together to discuss soil health science and policy,” he said. The event offers a platform for networking, idea-sharing, and exploring the future of Ohio’s soil resources.
Ohio Soil Health Week, organized by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) and the Ohio Soil Health Initiative, aims to raise awareness of Ohio’s soils as a vital natural resource.
This annual celebration, set for the second week of November each year, includes outreach and education on soil conservation and management practices.
The breakfast will also honour the late David Brandt, a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, with a tribute from Randall Reeder, executive director of the Ohio No-Till Council.
Leading Ohio soil scientists and SENR faculty members, including Professors Jim Ippolito and Gary Pierzynski, will address attendees on the role of healthy soils in supporting agriculture and communities.
Speakers will discuss soil’s crucial functions, such as water storage, purification, and nutrient provision. SENR’s research on agroecosystem soil health seeks to enhance nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and support for beneficial microorganisms, benefiting crops, livestock, and the broader ecosystem.
Attendees will also engage in a panel discussion with Ohio soil health advocates and producers, led by Amalie Lipstreu from the California Climate & Agriculture Network.
The event is supported by community partners and will provide valuable insights into soil’s key role in agriculture and conservation in Ohio and beyond.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Ohio, Sustainable Agriculture