Soil Health Summer Tour with Joel Williams x CARA

Building Soil Health: Putting Plants Into Action

Joel Williams, Integrated Soils

About Joel: "I have a particular interest in designing farming systems that focus on managing soil biology along with crop & soil nutrition to optimise plant immunity and soil function. I have extensive practical experience in Australia, UK and Canada (where I’m currently based) integrating soil and plant analyses as a joined-up strategy for managing production. I’ve completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (AUS) specialising in plant and soil dynamics and an MSc in Food Policy (UK) which focused on food systems, intercropping and agroecological transitions." Website: integratedsoils.com/ 

Joel's presentation will focus on topics, such as:

- Converting soil test results into actionable results; linking results to management actions (using lime, amendments, inoculants, cover crops, etc.)

- Salinity management decisions

- Economics of inputs and amendments

- Roots, root exudates, and below ground drivers of soil health properties

- Rethinking cover crops and their integration into dryland farming systems

- Role of plants in building organic matter, cycling nutrients, controlling erosion, improving structure, and boosting microbial activity

Dr. Yamily Zavala, CARA Soil Health Lab Manager

About Dr. Yamily: "Dr. Yamily Zavala led development of the CARA Soil Health Lab which opened in 2018. Under her management, the Soil Health Lab focuses on assessment of physical and biological soil health indicators and allows producers the opportunity for hands-on evaluation of their soils. She has been part of the CARA staff for 13 years and oversees applied researches on management alternative for soil health in addition to processing soils and managing the CARASHLab." Website: www.carasoilhealthlab.ca

Yamily will follow-up on Joel's points with a discussion on:

- Sampling protocol for measuring and monitoring soil health, how microbial activity is analyzed in the SHL

- The use of biological amendments such as Johnson-Su Bioreactor compost extract, liquid fertilizers, compost, liquefactions, etc.

- Soil mineral ratios

- Unlocking physical, biological, and chemical soil constraints

CARA's Summer Tour Event is made possible by event sponsors including: ARECA, Organic Alberta, CFGA, RA West, and Strankman Farms!

**Lunch and coffee is supplied to attendees**