Visualizing Soil Properties: A Multimedia Approach to Training Students and Practitioners.

In a digitized world there is a plethora of information presented in videos but what’s really of use to an extension audience? This project sought to document and illustrate key concepts to soil management in the western states. Several experienced extension specialists from the western region identified a few unique problems that are often overlooked or misunderstood under western conditions. Topics such as the sodium adsorption ratio, Olsen bicarbonate phosphorus test, the role of gypsum in managing sodium affected soils as important concepts to understand when working in the western region. Each specialist provided demonstrations that have had a history of helping clientele better understand the chosen concepts. These demonstrations were set up and filmed with high quality sound or were animated to replace digital slides. The NMSU ACES Media Production Department professionally produced and recorded fifteen demonstrations/animations to better tell the “story” behind the science or practice that is often taught in classrooms or in trainings. The videos and animations are ideal for large or small settings and do not require extra set-up time making outdoor demonstrations more appealing. There are a total of fifteen products that were created that can be useful for different audiences. The products can be freely accessed on the NMSU You Tube channel, westernsoil.nmsu.edu or from the ScienceofAgriculture.org website. Funding for the project was made possible by a USDA WSARE grant.