URGENT UPDATE: Students at Chico State University are actively transforming agricultural practices by conducting cutting-edge soil tests to promote better soil health. On February 4, 2026, students Kaylee Mulhearn and Paige Flaig were hard at work in the university’s farm, analyzing soil samples to establish optimal natural conditions for crop growth.
“This is the soil processing area, and it’s under the wing of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems,” Flaig stated. The team collaborates with producers statewide to implement regenerative practices that enhance sustainability. Today’s focus involved testing various soil samples for nutrient qualities, examining their ability to retain water, and supporting biological communities.
Mulhearn explained the meticulous process: “We collect forage samples for nutritive qualities, and we also take soil cores at different depths to measure stability.” This analysis is crucial for understanding how well the soil can maintain its structure and absorb moisture through its biological community, a key component of soil health.
The students are also conducting carbon-nitrogen testing and sending samples to a lab in Montana for pH level assessments. “We aim to identify the differences in soil health between regenerative practices and conventional methods,” Mulhearn added.
The implications of this work are significant for farmers, as it not only helps improve efficiency but also reduces reliance on synthetic materials. “We strive to work with nature instead of against it,” Flaig said, emphasizing the long-term benefits for both agriculture and the environment.
As these students push the boundaries of agricultural science, their findings could pave the way for improved farming techniques that prioritize ecological balance. Stay tuned for more updates on their impactful research and its potential to reshape agricultural practices across California and beyond.
This initiative highlights the urgent need for sustainable farming solutions in the face of climate change and resource depletion. As the data continues to emerge, the agricultural community watches closely, eager to adopt practices that foster a healthier planet.
