On Wednesday the Adair – Casey / Guthrie Center FFA Chapter will take part in the Southwest Iowa District Soil Judging Competition.

Advisor Skie Shull says that there will be two teams attending, with a total of seven students. Members participating include Caydence Boals, Lucy Knutter, Xander Harwood, Lilah Heinz, Rylee Robson, Stetson Ellis and Hudson Gilland. Shull mentions the judging is based on five categories – surface features, soil features, land capability classification and productivity potential, evaluation of management practices and suitability for non agricultural uses.

Shull shares that studying Iowa’s soils offers valuable lessons, particularly due to their exceptional fertility and agricultural importance in the United States. She points out that through this evaluation, one can gain insights into the diverse organic matter, topsoil depths, and nutrient contents that directly influence soil productivity. She adds that crucial aspects to consider when examining soil include agriculture and crop suitability ratings. These ratings are determined by factors such as soil drainage, slope, and texture, as well as the movement of water on the surface and within the subsurface. Shull says the knowledge gained from studying a soil profile can then be applied to implement effective erosion control measures, including terraces, buffer strips, and contour farming, along with other conservation practices vital for agricultural production.