The Kansas State University Soil Judging Team will be hosting the Region V Soil Judging Competition in Great Bend on September 22-27. Collegiate soil judging is an academic, competition-team activity that requires critical thinking, scientific observation, and both individual and group work in a field setting. This is a regional event that includes two contests – one for four-year universities and one for two-year colleges. 

During the week of the competition students will examine and describe a soil profile on the side of a soil pit that is 5 feet deep or shallower. Once done describing the soil the students classify the soil and make interpretations on how that soil could be used. The contest simulates the skills used in soil surveys.

Expected are around 100 students and coaches to participate in this contest representing seven teams from universities and five teams from community colleges from throughout the Midwest. The contest is an activity of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), and Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Science (SASES)

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.