by Fran tenBensel Benne | Agronomy and Horticulture
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Soil Judging Team took fourth place overall at the National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest held from March 26–31 near Woodward, Oklahoma. The Soil Science Society of America sponsors the competition annually and Oklahoma State University hosted it this year.
Soil judging is an educational experience that allows undergraduate students to competitively evaluate soil’s physical properties and local site characteristics and interpret these evaluations into land-use recommendations. In addition, soil judging can be a way to gain valuable hands-on experience evaluating soils in the field, which is essential for a soil scientist, agronomist or land manager.
“From a coach/instructor viewpoint, I see students walk away from each contest with better collaboration and communication skills, a stronger knowledgebase of soil and landscape relationships, and a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication of field-based scientists,” team coach Becky Young said. “It’s also amazing to watch them develop a sense of appreciation and attachment for otherwise middle-of-nowhere, unassuming places in the world.”
Young, an assistant professor of practice in agronomy and horticulture, teaches Soil 153 Soil Resources, Soil 279 Soil Evaluation and Soil 379 Advanced Soil Evaluation courses. In addition, she has coached the soil judging team for nine years, six of which she has co-coached with Judith Turk, a pedologist in the Conservation and Survey Division of natural resources.
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More details at: https://agronomy.unl.edu/news/huskers-take-4th-national-soil-judging-contest