The Kentucky Agriculture Training School (KATS), a program spearheaded by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Cooperative Extension Service, is hosting a hands-on soil properties workshop, Sept. 16, 2025, at Eastern Kentucky University’s Meadowbrook Farm in Richmond.   

UK soil specialists Edwin Ritchey and John Grove, joined by Kentucky’s USDA-NRCS state soil scientist Steve Blandford, will discuss water and nutrient retention and delivery by examining three soil pits, each with different profile properties. 

“This training will cover many fundamentals necessary for producing a successful crop,” said Ritchey. 

Specific topics discussed will include profile properties such as soil texture, soil structure, nutrient distribution, soil organic matter and plant-available water. Classroom discussions after lunch will cover topics like soil test values, comparisons of laboratory results and recommendations, and how different management practices influence soil health parameters. 

This training is open to farmers, crop consultants, students and anyone interested in learning about soils and their impact on agriculture and natural resource conservation.  

Pre-registration is required at https://katssoilpropertiesrichmond2025.eventbrite.com/ and will be open until Sept. 9. The class size is limited to 30 participants. Certified Crop Advisor CEU credits will be available: 4.5 Soil and Water Management and 1 Nutrient Management.  

For more information and questions, contact Lori Rogers at lori.rogers@uky.edu or 270-365-7541 Ext 21317. 

To learn more about KATS, visit https://kats.ca.uky.edu.  

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Writer: Jennifer Elwell, jennifer.elwell@uky.edu  

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.