AgEmerge Podcast 173 (Part I of Exploring the Haney Soil Test) laid the foundation for understanding how to read your soil test results. Now, AgEmerge Podcast 174 continues the conversation with Part II, featuring Liz Haney and Monte Bottens as they dive deeper into what those results actually mean.
Together, they explore the “what”—what soil testing reveals about soil health and how it informs fertility recommendations and management decisions. Dr. Liz Haney explains how the Haney Soil Test measures microbial activity and soil respiration, providing valuable insights into soil function and vitality.
This episode also covers key topics like interpreting soil health metrics, managing compaction, and the benefits of diverse crop rotations. Growers will gain practical takeaways on consistent sampling, understanding soil types and management zones, and the importance of working with trusted advisors to make informed decisions on the farm.
Are you a visual learner or would you like some additional materials to help this all make sense? Join our mailing list by clicking below and we'll send the Exploring the Haney Test PDF Guide straight to you.
Join the AgEmerge Mailing List: https://ag-solutions-network.kit.com/b47ceb598a
Chapters:
00:00 Exploring Soil Fertility Testing Methods
01:03 The Importance of Soil Health Metrics
09:48 Diversity in Crop Rotation and Soil Health
19:34 Understanding Soil Health Calculations
26:43 Fertility Recommendations and Their Context
40:49 Understanding Soil Health and Protozoa
46:13 Innovative Sampling Techniques for Soil Analysis
53:24 The Role of Soil Organic Matter in Soil Health
59:18 Impact of Cover Crops on Soil Nutrient Dynamics
01:04:32 Soil Survey Methodologies and Their Implications
01:11:04 Building Soil Health for Future Generations
Takeaways:
- Soil health is crucial for sustainable farming practices.
- The Haney test provides insights into soil microbial activity.
- Soil respiration is a key indicator of soil health.
- Microbial active carbon (MAC) is essential for understanding soil biology.
- Soil compaction can significantly affect microbial activity.
- Phosphorus levels can impact soil health metrics.
- Diverse crop rotations can improve soil health.
- Soil testing should be done at consistent times for accurate comparisons.
- Understanding soil types and management zones is vital for effective farming.
- Farmers should seek trusted advisors for soil management decisions.
Ag Solutions Network Socials:
https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast
https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm
https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork
https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO
https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/
Ag Solutions Network website:
https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/
Gaining a deeper understanding of the Haney Soil Test can transform your approach to agriculture by offering critical insights into nutrient availability and microbial activity. Whether you're a veteran grower or just beginning your regenerative agriculture journey, this series delivers practical knowledge to elevate your soil management and increase productivity.
Liz is a soil and ecosystem scientist with experience in soil testing and analyses, carbon and conservation practice modeling, and is the co-developer of the Haney Soil Health Test. Liz’s purpose, drive and passion are helping to improve producer profitability, environmental sustainability, and human health through regenerative practices and soil health.
Throughout her career she has developed an expansive network of scientists, thought leaders, consultants, farmers and ranchers within the sustainable agriculture space. Liz loves nothing more than creating community and is skilled at coordinating and conducting educational events, workshops and conferences bringing together today’s leading innovators in regenerative agriculture. Liz is also a co-founder of Regen Mills and Heritage Ground.
All content for Ag Emerge Podcast is the property of Hosted by Monte Bottens and is served directly from their servers
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AgEmerge Podcast 173 (Part I of Exploring the Haney Soil Test) laid the foundation for understanding how to read your soil test results. Now, AgEmerge Podcast 174 continues the conversation with Part II, featuring Liz Haney and Monte Bottens as they dive deeper into what those results actually mean.
Together, they explore the “what”—what soil testing reveals about soil health and how it informs fertility recommendations and management decisions. Dr. Liz Haney explains how the Haney Soil Test measures microbial activity and soil respiration, providing valuable insights into soil function and vitality.
This episode also covers key topics like interpreting soil health metrics, managing compaction, and the benefits of diverse crop rotations. Growers will gain practical takeaways on consistent sampling, understanding soil types and management zones, and the importance of working with trusted advisors to make informed decisions on the farm.
Are you a visual learner or would you like some additional materials to help this all make sense? Join our mailing list by clicking below and we'll send the Exploring the Haney Test PDF Guide straight to you.
Join the AgEmerge Mailing List: https://ag-solutions-network.kit.com/b47ceb598a
Chapters:
00:00 Exploring Soil Fertility Testing Methods
01:03 The Importance of Soil Health Metrics
09:48 Diversity in Crop Rotation and Soil Health
19:34 Understanding Soil Health Calculations
26:43 Fertility Recommendations and Their Context
40:49 Understanding Soil Health and Protozoa
46:13 Innovative Sampling Techniques for Soil Analysis
53:24 The Role of Soil Organic Matter in Soil Health
59:18 Impact of Cover Crops on Soil Nutrient Dynamics
01:04:32 Soil Survey Methodologies and Their Implications
01:11:04 Building Soil Health for Future Generations
Takeaways:
- Soil health is crucial for sustainable farming practices.
- The Haney test provides insights into soil microbial activity.
- Soil respiration is a key indicator of soil health.
- Microbial active carbon (MAC) is essential for understanding soil biology.
- Soil compaction can significantly affect microbial activity.
- Phosphorus levels can impact soil health metrics.
- Diverse crop rotations can improve soil health.
- Soil testing should be done at consistent times for accurate comparisons.
- Understanding soil types and management zones is vital for effective farming.
- Farmers should seek trusted advisors for soil management decisions.
Ag Solutions Network Socials:
https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast
https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm
https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork
https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO
https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/
Ag Solutions Network website:
https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/
Gaining a deeper understanding of the Haney Soil Test can transform your approach to agriculture by offering critical insights into nutrient availability and microbial activity. Whether you're a veteran grower or just beginning your regenerative agriculture journey, this series delivers practical knowledge to elevate your soil management and increase productivity.
Liz is a soil and ecosystem scientist with experience in soil testing and analyses, carbon and conservation practice modeling, and is the co-developer of the Haney Soil Health Test. Liz’s purpose, drive and passion are helping to improve producer profitability, environmental sustainability, and human health through regenerative practices and soil health.
Throughout her career she has developed an expansive network of scientists, thought leaders, consultants, farmers and ranchers within the sustainable agriculture space. Liz loves nothing more than creating community and is skilled at coordinating and conducting educational events, workshops and conferences bringing together today’s leading innovators in regenerative agriculture. Liz is also a co-founder of Regen Mills and Heritage Ground.
Taylor Herren is a beach-loving Californian who traded Santa Barbara for Cotton Plant, Arkansas, to pursue her dream of becoming a farmer and agricultural entrepreneur. What she cares most about is regenerative agriculture that works for real farmers and can be scaled on millions of acres—she's not interested in perfection, but in progress that helps farmers benefit from soil health through on-farm savings, increased market opportunities, and more time with their families.
*** Show notes and Links ***
Subscribe to AgEmerge here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AgSolutionsNetwork
Hear from another entrepreneur, Taylor Henry sharing his farming story: https://youtu.be/rt2V_YnBfsI
Ag Solutions Network Socials:
https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast
https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm
https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork
https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO
https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/
Ag Solutions Network website:
https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/
*** ***
More about Taylor Herren:
After 15 years working in regenerative agriculture—including roles with Green America, Kiss the Ground and Chico State —Taylor made the leap into farming last year. Her first crop year in 2025 marks a significant milestone as one of the few women entering large-scale row crop agriculture, farming 400 acres of corn, soybeans, and rice with a USDA crop loan while building a pasture livestock operation starting with 600 birds.
The transition from one of California's most beautiful coastal cities to the hot, swampy Mississippi Delta has been challenging but transformative, connecting her to both the land and her farming partner Adam Chappell. Taylor's mission goes beyond building a successful agricultural business—she's driven by those meaningful moments in nature where life abounds in the plants, birds, bugs, and the passionate farmers who tend the land.
Currently at Soil & Climate Initiative, she leads the farm transition program and regenerative crop market development work, including the Delta Regen Rice project. What she cares most about is regenerative agriculture that works for real farmers and can be scaled on millions of acres—she's not interested in perfection, but in progress that helps farmers benefit from soil health through on-farm savings, increased market opportunities, and more time with their families.
Her ultimate goal: to become a successful "chicken baroness" while proving that regenerative agriculture can create profitable, resilient farming operations.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-herren-590196107/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/taylor.herren.5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsfarmhard/
Ag Emerge Podcast
AgEmerge Podcast 173 (Part I of Exploring the Haney Soil Test) laid the foundation for understanding how to read your soil test results. Now, AgEmerge Podcast 174 continues the conversation with Part II, featuring Liz Haney and Monte Bottens as they dive deeper into what those results actually mean.
Together, they explore the “what”—what soil testing reveals about soil health and how it informs fertility recommendations and management decisions. Dr. Liz Haney explains how the Haney Soil Test measures microbial activity and soil respiration, providing valuable insights into soil function and vitality.
This episode also covers key topics like interpreting soil health metrics, managing compaction, and the benefits of diverse crop rotations. Growers will gain practical takeaways on consistent sampling, understanding soil types and management zones, and the importance of working with trusted advisors to make informed decisions on the farm.
Are you a visual learner or would you like some additional materials to help this all make sense? Join our mailing list by clicking below and we'll send the Exploring the Haney Test PDF Guide straight to you.
Join the AgEmerge Mailing List: https://ag-solutions-network.kit.com/b47ceb598a
Chapters:
00:00 Exploring Soil Fertility Testing Methods
01:03 The Importance of Soil Health Metrics
09:48 Diversity in Crop Rotation and Soil Health
19:34 Understanding Soil Health Calculations
26:43 Fertility Recommendations and Their Context
40:49 Understanding Soil Health and Protozoa
46:13 Innovative Sampling Techniques for Soil Analysis
53:24 The Role of Soil Organic Matter in Soil Health
59:18 Impact of Cover Crops on Soil Nutrient Dynamics
01:04:32 Soil Survey Methodologies and Their Implications
01:11:04 Building Soil Health for Future Generations
Takeaways:
- Soil health is crucial for sustainable farming practices.
- The Haney test provides insights into soil microbial activity.
- Soil respiration is a key indicator of soil health.
- Microbial active carbon (MAC) is essential for understanding soil biology.
- Soil compaction can significantly affect microbial activity.
- Phosphorus levels can impact soil health metrics.
- Diverse crop rotations can improve soil health.
- Soil testing should be done at consistent times for accurate comparisons.
- Understanding soil types and management zones is vital for effective farming.
- Farmers should seek trusted advisors for soil management decisions.
Ag Solutions Network Socials:
https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/agemergepodcast
https://www.facebook.com/ASN.farm
https://www.linkedin.com/company/agsolutionsnetwork
https://twitter.com/POWER2GRO
https://www.instagram.com/agsolutionsnetwork/
Ag Solutions Network website:
https://www.agsolutionsnetwork.com/
Gaining a deeper understanding of the Haney Soil Test can transform your approach to agriculture by offering critical insights into nutrient availability and microbial activity. Whether you're a veteran grower or just beginning your regenerative agriculture journey, this series delivers practical knowledge to elevate your soil management and increase productivity.
Liz is a soil and ecosystem scientist with experience in soil testing and analyses, carbon and conservation practice modeling, and is the co-developer of the Haney Soil Health Test. Liz’s purpose, drive and passion are helping to improve producer profitability, environmental sustainability, and human health through regenerative practices and soil health.
Throughout her career she has developed an expansive network of scientists, thought leaders, consultants, farmers and ranchers within the sustainable agriculture space. Liz loves nothing more than creating community and is skilled at coordinating and conducting educational events, workshops and conferences bringing together today’s leading innovators in regenerative agriculture. Liz is also a co-founder of Regen Mills and Heritage Ground.
