Our latest workshop was...

The Soil & Water Science Summit

The North Dakota Soil & Water Conservation Society held their second bi-annual Soil & Water Science Summit on June 13, 2007 at the NDSU Research Extension Center. This event was co-hosted with the North Dakota Professional Soil Classifiers Association.

The day-long program was attended by 123 soil and water professionals from many educational and research institutions and agencies from across North Dakota. Several attended from around North America.

The morning speakers focused on the significantly growing problem of soil salinity and sodicity in North Dakota soils, prevention and management, and the major need for research and education. Dr. D.C.

Coston, Vice President of Agriculture at North Dakota State University welcomed the audience and voiced his institution's commitment to this effort. Dr. David Hopkins, NDSU Professor of Soil Science moderated the morning presentations and discussion.

The afternoon session focused on the impact on North Dakota soils from anticipated major cropping changes due to the shift in Ag production for Biofuel production from increase corn, increase soybeans and canola, and production of switchgrass (and other perennial grasses). North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture Roger Johnson opened the afternoon program by focusing on the enormous opportunities for North Dakota Agriculture and exonerated the audience to have the science of sustainability and educational programs in place to support the major transitions soon to be available to North Dakota's farmers and ranchers. Dr. Mark Liebig, USDA-ARS Soil Scientist from the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan, ND moderated the afternoon presentations and discussion.

Significant time was allowed for cross-institutional 'networking' and poster presentations.  The afternoon concluded with a tour of the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center research fields.

Attendee survey responses following the event showed overwhelming appreciation and value of the bi-annual event. A major commitment was made by the joint planning committee from NDSWCS and NDPSCA: Susan Samson-Liebig, Kristen Wild, Joe Brennen, Mark Liebig, and Cal Thorson.

A grant from USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education through CSREES was used to bring national authoritative speakers from across the country for this program. Amity, Inc. sponsored the noon barbecue steak lunch. A. Link, WPC, Inc. consultants, and Bartlett & West Consultants sponsored the coffee breaks.