On a beautiful summer day this August 27, dozens of farmers, students and researchers gathered at the farm of William Boulden Jr. and his family in Mason County. They all came with to see how biochar can be integrated into Kentucky farming.
The field day was about regenerative farming and biochar, a kind of charcoal made from plant material that’s added to soil to help it hold water and nutrients.
Alan Moore, Soil Data Quality Specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, opened the day with a look at soil health and the conservation practices that protect it. Next, Jacob Brown and Richard Ojo of Kentucky State University shared what the research plots have shown so far.
Lastly, Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin of Kentucky State University led the group out to the research plot. There they saw the practices up close and talked through the why and the how: the benefits, the risks, and how different regenerative approaches compare.
Some of the best moments came from the conversation itself. David Miller, a Lincoln County farmer taking part in the study, brought a grower’s view to the discussion.
This is the kind of day Community Farm Alliance loves to be part of. Farmers and researchers learn from each other, and new ideas get tested in Kentucky soil before anyone asks them to work on Kentucky farms.
Thank you to the Boulden family for opening their farm. Thank you also to our partners at the Kentucky State University College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for making the day possible.
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