Farming Evolution hosts 160 from near and far

    “No civilization has outlived the usefulness of its soils.” — Lloyd Noble
    This quote was part of Dr. Christine Jones’ opening remarks for her presentation at the Farming Evolution event. Farming Evolution was held Feb. 20-21 at the Phillips County Event Center. Over 160 people from 10 states, some traveling even 1,530 miles (from Faber, Virginia) attended the event.
    The first day started with a chilly rainfall demonstration in the pavilion. Water was applied to five different trays of soil, three of which were tilled. When the trays were turned over, the tilled soil was still dry.
    “What is soil and what is its role in the hierarchy of life?” Jones asked. Building topsoil is a biological process. While soil is the foundation of life, it is photosynthesis that forms the base of the pyramid of life, she said.
    All green plants are growing in association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Chlorophyll makes plants green and cannot form without nitrogen. Organic nitrogen cannot form without organic carbon. Organic carbon comes from microbes interacting with the roots in the soil.

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