New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service will host a Biochar and Soil Health Workshop from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at the Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center, 7200 Plant Science Circle, in Las Cruces. The workshop will demonstrate how to make biochar from wood waste and how to address soil health issues in arid lands.
This workshop will be a hands-on experience where attendees can participate in making biochar from start to finish. Attendees will also have the chance to observe various cover crops in the field and ask questions concerning soil health assessment and management.
To register for this free NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences’ Department of Extension Plant Sciences event, visit https://rsvp.aces.nmsu.edu/soilhealth3.
“The workshop will assist participants in understanding the characteristics of quality biochar and its application for enhancing soil health. Other uses of biochar will also be discussed. Furthermore, participants will have the chance to learn about the impact of varied management practices on soil health in long-term plots at the NMSU Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center,” said John Idowu, Extension Plant Sciences specialist and agronomist.
Biochar and soil health experts will lead the workshop. Idowu will address issues related to soil health management for optimal crop production. He will discuss various cover crops in the field and share results on the impact of different practices, including the effects of biochar on long-term soil health in the plots.
Chemical and Materials Engineering Associate Professor Catie Brewer will discuss how to create a good biochar and what defines a quality biochar. She will bring samples made from various feedstocks to show the audience. Leyendecker Program Operations Director Dave Lowry will demonstrate the safe operation of the biochar kiln and emphasize the precautions necessary to produce a high-quality end product. Extension Forest and Fire Specialist Doug Cram will provide information on using biochar to manage hazardous fuels.
Sponsors and funding agencies supporting this workshop and the maintenance of the long-term soil health site at Leyendecker include the College of ACES, New Mexico Department of Agriculture Healthy Soil Program and U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Southwest Groundwater Project.
For more information, contact Idowu at 575-646-2571 or jidowu@nmsu.edu.