Aug 26, 2026
Agriculture students enrolled in the Plant Science class traveled to Graceland University for the Soil Health Evaluation. They were able to work with members of the NRCS to learn more about evaluation of soil health. They were able to complete activities that included; soil compaction testing, identification of soil structure, soil midden counts, cover crop stem counts, and averaging the percent crop residue. These students worked in teams to learn and compete in the competition! Graceland University Agriculture Business generously made a donation to the Central Trail FFA chapter based on their attendance and participation in the activity.
Pictured above: First row (left to right): Morgan Buckingham, Isaiah Graham, Megan Young, Mason Allen, and Cutter Frisbie. Second row: Rilee Alley, Leighanna Bundt, Morgan Havlik, John Newman, Cutter Frisbie, and Payton Bragg. Third row: Gus Oesch, Brody Hamilton, Asher Norman, Blake Boyd, Lucas Lindsey, and Cortlynn Cook. Fourth row: Lilly Johnson, Lexie Griffin, Damien Easton, Gage Hullinger, Zoey Hamilton, and Bianca Swartz. Fifth row: Kaitlyn Wade, Bella Boyce, Aidyn Marvin, and Chloe Allen.
Soil Compaction: Central Decatur students utilized a flag to determine soil compaction depth in a crop field at Graceland University.
Mideen Count: Students from Central Decatur took Midden Counts on the soil, indicating earthworm activity.