During this module, we will discuss soil fertility, microbiology, and health, and how these concepts relate to agroecology.

Week 5: Soil Fertility Options in Agroecosystems [Feb 22-28]

Week 6: Soil Microbiology and Soil Health [Mar 1-7]

Describe contrasting strategies for providing adequate fertility for crops & pastures, and the implications of different strategies for adding and cycling nutrients on farm (building soil vs sufficiency strategy)
In what ways do organic farmers provide adequate nutrients from multiple sources for crop and pasture growth and productivity?
How are soil fertility needs dependent on soil type, crop or pasture species, soil organic matter, yield goals, expected rainfall, previous crop, and N-level in irrigation water?
In what ways do soil microorganisms contribute to making nutrients available to plants? What are the impacts of chemical fertilizer or pesticide application on soil organisms and soil health?

- Please read: Chapter 23 "Putting it All Together" in Building Soils for Better Crops 3rd Edition, Magdoff and van Es, SARE Handbook #10 https://sare.org/wp-content/uploads/Building-Soils-For-Better-Crops.pdf . We also encourage you to explore other chapters of interest--there is lots of good information and figures/images to consider. Write a Yellowdig post about this reading after Feb. 20 at 10 PM and before Feb. 21 at midnight.
  - Optional reference: The Soil Health Institute has developed a film called "The Living Soil" which highlights multiple farmers and cropping systems around the country (including in Nebraska). Consider: what soil health concepts are included in this film? What metaphors or explanations stood out most to you? Who are the farmers profiled in the film and how representative are they of agriculture, based on your experience? What are some strengths and limitations of the film?
- On Friday, or ahead of 10:00 PM Saturday, write a post on Yellowdig about what you have learned this week, 10 points, Due Feb. 27 at 10 PM.
- Be sure to read several of the Yellowdig posts of your class members and respond to any that pique your interest.

PowerPoints and Lecture Recordings

The PowerPoint presentations and lecture recordings will be posted here after classes.

Feb. 26 recording (mostly discussion)

Mar. 3 PowerPoint (same as Mar. 1), recording

Mar. 5 PowerPoint, recording