The Scoop on Soil - Wheat State Agronomy Club.

Throughout 2015, the International Year of Soils, the Wheat State Agronomy Club's educational program focused on teaching people of all ages about the importance of soils. Club members developed interactive presentations around the theme “The Scoop on Soils” that were given at six different events both on and off campus. At the Kansas State University Open House, visitors ranging from 2 to 75 years of age were provided the opportunity to make a soil texture ribbon, classify it using the textural triangle, and learn about the importance of knowing the texture and structure of a given soil. During the Kansas State University Ag Fest, 80 first-graders made soil texture ribbons and learned about particle size, nutrient-holding capacity, and soil conservation. More detailed presentations on soil properties were given to nearly 900 fourth-graders at three different events: Riley County E.A.R.T.H. Days, K-State Agronomy Kids’ Field Days, and Salina Farm Bureau Kids’ Ag Awareness Day. These students also made take-home soil profiles using double-sided tape, pebbles, sand, and soil. At the Kansas 4-H Discovery Days, 50 high school students analyzed soil profile monoliths and learned about particle size, essential nutrients, texture, and structure. Each participant left with an edible soil profile composed of various candies, cookies, and snack foods. At each event, participants were given a crossword puzzle to review information that they learned, along with an “I Heart Soil” sticker from the Soil Science Society of America. Club members were excited to share “The Scoop on Soils” with many people from all walks of life and introduce them to the field of agronomy.