The “Scouting for Soil Health” field day was held in conjunction with the Annual Row Crops Field Day at the Wiregrass Research Center in Headland, Alabama, on August 18, 2023. The event was attended by over 125 individuals, predominantly growers. Due to concerns about the heat, the sessions were conducted indoors rather than in a soil pit as originally planned. The focus of the day was on the selection and variety of cover crops, providing guidance for growers and consultants on choosing the most suitable cover crop for their needs. Retired University of Florida Forages Professor Dr. Ann Blount shared insights on new and upcoming cover crop species. Alabama Crop Improvement Association Executive Vice President Dr. Jim Bostick discussed their initiatives to boost the availability of cover crop seeds tailored for Alabama’s agricultural conditions. SHI Technical Specialist Brandon Dillard and SHI Farmer Mentor Myron Johnson also participated in the event. While SHI Soil Health Educator Jessica Kelton organized this field day, she also introduced the U.S. Climate Smart Cotton Program, outlining the criteria for grower enrollment.
Retired Forages Professor at the University of Florida Dr. Ann Blount discussed the benefits of cover crops in production systems and considerations for making cover crop selections during a field day in Headland, Alabama. Photo credit: Jessica Kelton, SHI Soil Health Educator.
If you would like to get in contact with an SHI Soil Health Educator, Technical Specialist, or Farmer Mentor, please visit our Contacts page.