Hardin County – A series of Soil Health Workshops will be held on April 4th (Beginner) and April 6th (Advanced) at the Hardin County OSU Extension Office. Jim Hoorman, Hoorman Soil Health Services will be the main presenter. Hoorman has worked for OSU Extension for several years as a county extension educator in Putnam County and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the Soil Health Division for Ohio and Michigan.
The first workshop will be April 4th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, with topics ranging from soil ecology and nutrient recycling, dealing with soil compaction, and putting an economic value on soil health will be discussed in the morning. In the afternoon, topics on keeping nutrients in the soil and getting started with cover crops: clovers, legumes, grasses, and brassicas will be discussed.
The second day, April 6th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, topics will include setting up a no-till planter, adjusting to adverse weather, making no-till corn succeed, and learning more about beneficial microbes. Afternoon topics include fertilizing for higher yields with micronutrients, using humic compounds to enhance fertilizer and plant growth, and dealing with pests (weeds, insects, and diseases).
Participation is limited to 25 attendees for each workshop. Sign up by calling the Hardin County OSU Extension Office at 419-674-2297. The cost of each workshop will be $25 per day which includes lunch and materials. Registration is requested by April 1. Participants can enroll in either or both days.