August 30-31, 2016 - Soil Health Workshop, Baker, MT. "Shifting to Soil Biology, an Agronomy and Range Tour." For more information: Flyer (PDF; 1.1 MB), 406-778-2238 ext.109, or ann.fischer@mt.usda.gov
September 20, 2016 - Cover Crops Talk 'n' Tour, Townsend, MT. For more information: Cover Crops Talk 'n' Tour
The Soil Health, A Montana Perspective video series provides a Montana-focused look at the soil health topic. Many of us have heard of these ideas working in other parts of the country, but is it really possible in Montana? The Tools for Soil Health segments of the series summarize some of the conservation practices that can be used in Montana to improve soil health. In the Interviews with Montana Farmers and Ranchers segments, Montana farmers and ranchers who have been using these principles to build soil health share practical information.
Out on the Land TV series Season 2 Episode 24 features soil quality and the use of cover crops in Montana. This video requires Flash Player. If you encounter any problems, please contact Webmaster at 406-587-6945.
NRCS Soil Quality Technical Notes, Information Sheets, and Other Soil Health Information - This website contains a series of publications released by the former NRCS Soil Quality Institute. These publications include technical notes, Guidelines for Soil Quality Assessment in Conservation Planning, the Soil Quality Thunderbook, and other materials for use by NRCS field staff during the conservation planning process.
Soils 101 - This is a video series from NRCS South Carolina. Soils 101 is a compilation of fifteen videos featuring SC NRCS Soil Scientists. The videos include topics such as, What is Soil, Soil Physical Properties, Soil Biology, Soils for Conservationists, Soil Survey, and Soils for Homeowners. The videos were designed to help educate newer NRCS employees, give a refresher to seasoned NRCS employees, and to benefit anyone with an interest in soils.
Soil Biology Primer - The Soil Biology Primer is an introduction to the living component of soil and how it contributes to agricultural productivity as well as air and water quality. The Primer includes units describing the soil food web and its relationship to soil health, and units about bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, and earthworms. It is suitable for a broad audience including farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, resource specialists, conservationists, soil scientists, students, and educators.
Healthy Soils, Healthy Crops - A video series released by South Carolina that focus on soil health and some of the conservation practices that improve soil health, and activities that benefit from improved soil health. Precision agriculture is also highlighted.
Other Soil Health Resources
The USDA Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Education (SARE) program has made available publications that may be useful to conservationists, conservation partners, farmers, and others. The following two publications, while not specific to Montana, may provide useful information on cover crops and other soil improvement methods.
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