WaSHI Annual Report FY25

Making Soils Data Actionable

In 2024, the Washington Soil Health Initiative created the Making Soils Data Actionable webinar series to help farmers harness the mountains of data that result from soil testing and translate the numbers into action.

Every week in March, we highlight projects across Washington that use soil data to inform real, on-farm management decisions. The goal of the series is to bring together farmers, agricultural advisors, and decision makers to discuss the importance of collecting and using soils data. In 2025, the webinar series reached 916 people, with most attendees being agricultural professionals and university affiliates. This year’s topics were expanded beyond the physical, chemical, and biological indicators of soil health, to provide actionable insights to farmers, agricultural advisors, extension staff, and land managers.

Three new webinars addressing the soil health data overload

A webinar flyer titled “Making Soils Data Actionable” for the Washington Soil Health Initiative Webinar Series. The design uses a green and white color scheme with bold text. It announces Webinar 1: March 11th, 12–1 pm PST on Soil physical properties: Compaction. Speakers listed are Haly Neely (Assistant Professor, Washington State University) and Natalie Sturm (Graduate Student, Washington State University). The description explains the session will cover research on soil compaction and management strategies to reduce it, including how farmers can apply these approaches. On the right side, there is a QR code for registration and text stating “Farmers, agricultural advisors, extension staff, and decision makers are welcome.” Two circular images of individuals are shown vertically. At the bottom, logos for the Washington Soil Health Initiative and the Center for Technical Development appear.

Soil Physical Properties: Compaction

with Haly Neely and Natalie Sturm

In this webinar, Haly and Natalie share their research on soil compaction and the management strategies to reduce it – including how farmers can use similar approaches on their own operations. These WSU researchers also explain how identifying and managing soil compaction can benefit farmers and crop consultants around Washington state.

A promotional flyer for the Washington Soil Health Initiative webinar series titled “Making Soils Data Actionable.” The flyer includes a green and white design with bold text. It announces Webinar 2: March 18th, 12–1 pm PST on “Precision agriculture technology and data.” Speaker names listed are Steve Mantle (Founder, Innov8 Ag), Linda Neunzig (Agriculture Coordinator, Snohomish County), and Nate Krause (Operations Manager, Swans Trail Farms). The description explains the session will cover public-private partnerships, democratizing soil data, and reducing barriers to adopting precision agriculture technology. On the right side, there is a QR code for registration and text stating “Farmers, agricultural advisors, extension staff, and decision makers are welcome.” Three circular photos of individuals are shown vertically. At the bottom, logos for the Washington Soil Health Initiative and the Center for Technical Development appear.

Precision Agriculture Technology and Data

with Steve Mantle, Linda Neunzig, and Nate Krause

A case study on how public-private partnerships can be leveraged to democratize soils data and precision agricultural technology. In this talk, you’ll hear from a Washington company, county, and grower, on how working together can lower the barriers to entry for environmental and economic decision-making in agriculture. Learn about new data-informed technology, and the local efforts to bring it to a farm near you.

A webinar flyer titled “Making Soils Data Actionable” for the Washington Soil Health Initiative Webinar Series. The design features a green and white color scheme with bold text. It announces Webinar 3: March 25th, 12–1 pm PST on Soil chemistry meets biology: Nitrogen credits. Speakers listed are Rich Koenig (Professor, Washington State University) and Savannah Crnick (Resource Planner, S. Yakima Conservation District). The description explains the session will cover the origins, importance, and practical use of nitrogen credits in fertilizer budgeting, from irrigated to dryland systems, and how conservation districts implement this knowledge. On the right side, there is a QR code for registration and text stating “Farmers, agricultural advisors, extension staff, and decision makers are welcome.” Two circular images of individuals are shown vertically. At the bottom, logos for the Washington Soil Health Initiative and the Center for Technical Development appear.

Soil Chemistry Meets Biology: Nitrogen Credits

with Rich Koenig and Savannah Crnick

Rich describes the origins, importance, and practical use of N credits in a fertilizer budgeting process. From irrigated to dryland systems, credits are the “money in the soil bank”. You can also learn how South Yakima Conservation District implements this knowledge by using deep soil sampling to support growers in managing their crops, nutrients, and irrigation water.

A woman in a floral shirt standing in a park, contemplating soil carbon policies.

Dani Gelardi

Washington State Department of Agriculture