soil health

Meet Amelia Magistrali

Amelia Magistrali joined our team as an Associate Extension Educator in soil health in May. Originally from Torrington, she earned a bachelor of arts in environmental studies from Middlebury College, a master of science in organic farming and food production systems from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, and a PhD from Newcastle University as […]

Annual Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Conference

We are pleased to announce that our annual Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers’ Conference will be held at the UConn Storrs Campus on January 9, 2024. For details, please see the registration information and agenda below. Register online at: s.uconn.edu/ctvfcregistration To pay by check visit: s.uconn.edu/ctvfconference or email tolland@uconn.edu Trade Show Exhibitor Registration: s.uconn.edu/ctvfctradeshow For any further questions email tolland@uconn.edu or […]

Job Opening: Assistant/Associate Extension Educator In Soil Health

Search #: 496069 Work type: Full-time Location: Hartford County Extension Ctr Categories: Faculty Extension Educator The Department of Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time (11 month) non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in Soil Health. The successful applicant will assess, develop and deliver impactful extension programs on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and conservation practices. These programs will build an […]

2023 Spring Urban Agriculture Tour at Green Village Initiative

Save the Date for the upcoming Urban Ag Conservation Tour we will be co-hosting with partners on April 29, 2023, as part of our CT Soil Health Initiative with USDA NRCS. Hosted at Green Village Initiative’s Reservoir Community Farm in Bridgeport, learn about support for urban farms and organizations. Leaders in the industry will be […]

Climate Smart Agriculture

Interested in making your farm more resilient? Concerned about climate change? Join us at the Litchfield County Extension Center on February 9 to learn about ways to enable your operation to be sustainable. Dinner provided! For more information and to register, visit: https://nwcd.org/events/ For special accommodations, please contact info@nwcd.org

NEW online Soil Course: Soil Health and Climate Adaption for CT Growers

As part of UConn Extension’s Solid Ground program we are sharing a NEW online Soil Course: Soil Health and Climate Adaption for CT Growers, led by the one and only soil scientist, Kip Kolesinskas! Sign Up HERE This 10-module online course is for growers looking to learn more about analyzing their soils, understanding soil health, assessing […]

Using Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

We are frequently asked if coffee grounds can be used in a garden. The short answer is yes, coffee grounds can be used in garden soil! Coffee grounds contain some major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as well as some micronutrients, so put them to work in your garden. Allow them to dry and then […]

Urban Farmer Trainings in Hartford

Urban Farmers and Hartford area Friends!    Get ready for Urban Farmer Trainings in Hartford!   August 21st and August 28th At Keney Park Sustainability Project and KNOX Inc 9:00am to 4:00pm Join the I Got Next Farmers (Lauren Little Edutainment, Samad Garden Initiative, Micro2Life and Derrick Bedward) as they cover topics such as  Community Farming Soil […]

Nutrient Management in Canaan

Nutrient Management on farms is a balancing act between how much manure needs to be spread and how many nutrients crop fields need. We work with dairy farmers throughout the state to address the challenge of managing nutrient distribution on their fields through research and outreach, innovative technology, and by fostering collaborative partnerships. The Canaan […]

No-till Vegetable Production

No-till vegetable production: soil health, weed control, and crop yields Article by Shuresh Ghimire, Extension Vegetable Specialist, UConn Extension Building healthy soils, integrating cover crops, and managing weeds are key elements of vegetable farms. The use of no-till and cover crops provide a wealth of soil benefits thereby improving the productivity of the farming systems. […]

Have Your Soil Tested for Macro and Micro Nutrients

Send your soil sample in for testing now. Our standard nutrient analysis includes pH, macro- and micro nutrients, a lead scan and as long as we know what you are growing, the results will contain limestone and fertilizer recommendations. The cost is $12/sample. You are welcome to come to the lab with your ‘one cup […]

Have your Soil Tested for Macro & Micro Nutrients

Send your soil sample in for testing now. Our standard nutrient analysis includes pH, macro- and micro nutrients, a lead scan and as long as we know what you are growing, the results will contain limestone and fertilizer recommendations. The cost is $12/sample. You are welcome to come to the lab with your ‘one cup […]

Spotlight – Soil Degradation

One of the most pressing resource related issues around the world is the continual reduction in the percentage of arable land. Currently, 37% of land worldwide is considered agricultural, only 10% is deemed arable, or plowable, and suitable for crop production (World Bank Group, 2015). The shrinking percentage of suitable farm land is a direct […]

Soil pH – The Master Variable

The UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Lab tests for and analyzes multiple soil parameters; but none as critical, and as often overlooked, as pH. Soil pH plays a crucial role in the growth of vegetation planted, as well as ground water quality. Before we start talking about soil pH, I think it is a good idea […]

Nitrogen – The Fix

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient required for the production and growth of all plants, vegetation, and living organisms. It makes up 78% of our atmosphere; however, that only accounts for 2% of the Nitrogen on our planet. The remaining 98% can be found within the Earth’s lithosphere; the crust and outer mantel. The Nitrogen found […]