Making Connections with Soil Health Indicators with Christine Sprunger of MSU

Christine Sprunger is a soil scientist and head of the Soil Health and Ecosystem Ecology Lab at Michigan State University. With a deep-rooted passion for soil science, Christine's research doesn't shy away from the complexity of soil health and what it means for both the researcher and the farmer. Soil health is a laborious concept that requires a deep understanding of the ecosystem's overall functioning. To accurately assess soil health, it's crucial to identify relevant indicators that connect ecological processes with the practical management decisions farmers make.

Some of Christine's research has revolved around nematodes. Nematodes, as microscopic worm-like organisms, play a critical role in soil ecosystems by feeding on bacteria, fungi, plant roots, and each other! These diverse feeding groups can serve as vital soil health indicators, allowing researchers and farmers to measure the ecological functioning and productivity of their agroecosystems. In addition to nematodes, she has researched the perenniality of roots, especially deep-rooted perennial legumes, and how they can be a crucial component of soil health as they contribute significantly to not only soil carbon sequestration processes, but also nitrogen storage capacity.

Ultimately, soil health should be measured from various angles, prioritizing individual management goals and local contexts. Christine highlights the necessity of choosing suitable soil health indicators to link the scientific understanding of ecological function and practical farming approaches. She emphasizes that effective communication between researchers and farmers plays a vital role in selecting appropriate soil health indicators. By continuously collaborating and integrating farmers' concerns, researchers can ensure that these indicators address the desired outcomes and cater to farmers' specific needs.

Mentioned in this episode…

• Reach out to Christine Sprunger's lab at Michigan State University if you are a farmer interested in collaborating on upcoming projects and receiving a free soil health assessment!
• Learn more about nematodes, their role in soil health, and how to identify them through research and resources provided by the Soil Health and Ecosystem Ecology Lab at Michigan State University.
• Consider signing up for Real Organic Project Certification to differentiate your farm from mass-marketed corporate organic practices. Visit realorganicproject.org/notill to apply.
• Browse Johnny's Selected Seeds online for a variety of seeds, tools, and free educational resources. Visit Johnnyseeds.com to explore their offerings.
• Check out Rimol Greenhouses for your next quality greenhouse or high-tunnel. There are several style and options to choose from, check out rimolgreenhouses.com
• There's no substitute for a high-quality seed starting mix. Get Sprout—a living-soil, compost-based, seed-starting soil mix—for you farm or garden at tilthsoil.com
• Get tickets for the Rough Draft Farmstead No-Till Farm Tour for April 25th or May 9th!

"Long term implementation of regenerative practices is actually shifting the nematode community, contributing to greater overall ecosystem services like carbon accumulation and nitrogen retention... Understanding the linkages between nematode communities and various soil health indicators is crucial in realizing the actual soil health outcome and overall benefit to the farmer."

- Christine Sprunger

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