Milwaukee Urban Agriculture Network (MUAN) From The Ground Up: Soil Health for Urban Growers Part 2

Описание: Looking to grow beautiful, healthy gardens in the city? Start with the soil!

In Part 1 (May 7, 2025) of this live series we dove into the basics of what makes up soil health and soil testing— helping you understand what’s happening beneath your feet. We covered the fundamentals of soil health, focusing on essential components like soil structure, organic matter, and more.

In Part 2 (May 14, 2025), Dr. Nicole Taugtes and Carly Ledger build on this foundation by exploring practical soil amendment strategies, conservation practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, and how to apply these techniques in your garden or farm.

Speakers:
Dr. Nicole Tautges is Research Director at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. Dr. Tautges completed her Bachelors degree in Agronomy at the University of Wisconsin Madison and earned her PhD at Washington State University, completing a project on soil fertility, weed, and soil microbial management in semiarid organic wheat production systems. She went on to work on Kernza research at the University of Minnesota, and worked at the University of California Davis on soil microbial ecology and soil health outreach in processing tomato systems. At Michael Fields, her research focuses on soil fertility and nutrient cycling in food grade grain systems, where she works mostly with rye, wheat, Kernza, oats, and buckwheat.

Carly Ledger is half of the husband and wife duo behind Aromatic Acres, a chemical-free and regenerative cut flower farm growing on a 1/2 acre split between two urban locations in Milwaukee county. They are passionate about helping people grow beautiful, intentional gardens with ease.


About MKE Urban Ag Network (MUAN):
The MKE Urban Ag Network (MUAN) is a project led by Michael Fields Agricultural Institute that connects Milwaukee-area and other urban growers to sustainable agriculture and agricultural conservation education, community networking, and resource sharing.


About Michael Fields Agricultural Institute:
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is a non-profit organization that has been cultivating resilience through research, education, and policy work since 1984. With a broad coalition of public and private partners, the Institute supports farmers, food systems and communities in the Upper Midwest and beyond through a range of programs and initiatives. We believe agriculture can sustain both human and ecosystem health, while advancing food security, independence, and justice. Find more information at michaelfields.org. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and events.

About The Milwaukee Urban Demonstration Farm Network:
The Milwaukee Urban Demonstration Farm Network (MUD) is led by the UW-Extension Community Food Systems Program in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. MUD brings together farmers, researchers, and conservation experts to share practical strategies that build soil health, protect water resources, improve yields, and support wildlife. As the first urban USDA demonstration farm network, MUD showcases how conservation practices can be effectively applied to small-scale urban farms across Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. Learn more at foodsystems.extension.wisc.edu


About Advocates for Urban Agriculture:
Advocates for Urban Agriculture (AUA) provides support resources and education centering growers, farmers, earth stewards, land and water. AUA reimagines our collective relationships to land, labor, and our food system while honoring Indigenous Sovereignty, Black liberation, LGBTQIA+ freedom, Disability Justice, and Immigrants’ rights. AUA initiatives support growers through comprehensive programs that enhance soil health, provide essential water access, and mentorship. Learn more at www.auachicago.org