Soil Health Labs

Uncovering the

Benefits of Soil Health

Our Mission

The Soil Health Labs are located in the Environmental Health Sciences Department in the School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina.  That may be surprising to most, especially since the University of South Carolina has no Ag School!  Our mission is to promote soil health, not only as something that’s good for the farmer and the environment, but also as a public health tool.  Think about it – healthy soils and healthy crops mean healthy farmers and consumers (never mind an ever-improving environment).  Our continued research shows that if farmers integrate the 4 principles of soil health

that they can actually improve and regenerate conditions.  Follow along with us and let’s uncover the benefits of soil health together!

Latest News

P.L.F.A. (3/4)

Video

Cover crops don’t just cover the soil above ground. They literally have the ability to change the life below it! In this video, Dr. Buz Kloot and Dr. Gabe Kenne review soil biomass numbers from a few selected fields across the state of South Carolina. These fields have recently implemented no-till and covers and are…

P.L.F.A. (2/4)

Video

Dr. Buz Kloot and Dr. Gabe Kenne discuss the importance of testing soils at the right time to get the most accurate, consistent readings.

P.L.F.A. (1/4)

Video

Much like the Haney Test, the P.L.F.A. (Phospholipid Fatty Acid Analysis) isn’t always fully understood. What does the analysis have to tell us about our soils and why is it useful? In this Video, Dr. Buz Kloot and Dr. Gabe Kenne break it all down.