The Oakwood Ag Centre hosted The Ontario Soil Network's Soil Management Day, on August 27th. 

The event began with the history of the Sunderland Co-op Farm, presented by Ashley Garland and Sophia Marsig. During the presentation, they discussed crop rotation, tillage practices and soil analysis of the farm. Following the presentation, attendees were divided into groups and rotated through five stations, discussing different aspects of soil management & health. 

Station #1 - Measuring Soil Health
An explanation of soil health testing, how to improve scores and information on free soil test. 
Presenters: Ryan Carlow and Lorraine Vandermyden

Station #2 - Knowing Your Land (Soil, Water and Topography)
Located on the high point of the farm, giving a vantage point to discuss how topography can effect water flow, erosion, and soil variability. A soil pit was dug to observe the soil profile. 
Presenters: Chris Blackford and Kevin McKague 

Station #3 - Seeing Blue 
An exploration of water infiltration and soil water movement in an open soil pit. A blue dye was used to visualize water flow, to better understand matrix and preferential flow. 
Presenters: Danny Jefferies and Alex Barrie 

Station #4 - Fertile Grounds: Soil and Tissue Fertility 
An in-depth look at proper crop fertility planning, and identifying the soil's most limiting resource. 
Presenter: Colin Elgie 

Station #5 - Cover Crop Root Pit 
A discussion of the integration of cover crops in field crop rotations to improve soil structure and health. 
Presenter: Christine Brown 

The outdoor portion of the day concluded with lunch, followed by a brainstorming session to develop a plan to improve the soil health on farm.