BRODHEAD — Rain that falls on soil with poor structure will not infiltrate very far into the soil profile. With the lack of rain this summer it is critical that local soil’s structure is in the best possible shape to harvest every drop of moisture possible to grow our crops and food. A field day on Tuesday, July 13 will examine the importance of soil structure in attaining good soil health to learn more. The Farmers of the Sugar River, a producer-led watershed protection group, is hosting the free event.  

The field day will be at W458 Hoosier Rd, Brodhead from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Features planned for the site include an infiltration demonstration, rainfall simulator and a soil pit. Lunch will be provided, so reservations are required for getting a lunch count. People can make reservations by calling or texting Tonya Gratz at 608-426-2218 or also by email: Tonya.Gratz@wi.nacdnet.net, by July 9.  

There are many conservation practices that farmers and landowners implement to increase soil structure. Nick Faessler owns and operates the land and has been trying practices to increase his soil structure such as planting a multispecies cover crop after his wheat and planting corn into the green growing cover in the spring with no tillage before chemically terminating the cover crop. Soil structure effects how well the soil will function. Good functioning soil is able to infiltrate rain, support and spring back from equipment travel, allow roots to expand and explore for nutrients, and be resistant to erosion.   

Any questions on the day can be directed to Tonya Gratz with the Green County Land and Water Conservation Department at 608-325-4195 extension 121. The LWCD collaborates with the Farmers of the Sugar River. Funding for this field day is made in part from a grant from the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).