This Field Day continues our series about a Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) funded project investigating use of Giant Sacaton, Sporobolus wrightii, in windbreaks on farms and ranches. Deep-rooted and fast growing, Giant Sacaton is an impressive grass native to the arid Southwest, standing up to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Planted as a hedgerow or wind break, it can help prevent erosion, trap dust, and create a better environment for beneficial soil microbes.
You will learn about the Soil Food Web and how to use microscopy to identify soil organisms for a qualitative soil health assessment. We will take soil samples around grass seedlings planted earlier this year and look at them under the microscope. This workshop is for beginners and experienced soil nerds alike: Several microscopes and instructors will be available to get you started while we’ll also try some more advanced techniques, e.g. nematode extractions.

Lunch will be prepared by Synergia Ranch’s kitchen with produce from their market garden! This Field Day is free of charge, but please register so we know how much food to prepare.
Topics:

• Update on the WSARE project From Soil to Shelter: Boosting Tall Grass Growth for Natural Wind Protection
• Introduction to the Soil Food Web
• Soil sample collection and preparation
• Hands-on soil microscopy demonstrations

Date: Saturday December 13, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: 26 Synergia Road, 87508 Santa Fe NM

(Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iz9agsXkgu7vGUZE9 )

General Agenda

9:00 AM
Sign-in and introductions

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Presentation of the project and field work: taking soil samples and observing 0-, 1-, and 3-year plant growth around the site. Demonstration of the various equipment used to extract, grow, and apply soil microorganisms to the soil.

12:00 – 1:30 PM
Networking lunch and discussion

1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Hands-on microscopy session. We will have extra microscopes available for those interested in using one, and there is space for you to bring your own. We will walk you through the organisms present in the soil and in various composts as seen under the microscope. The live view will also be projected onto the wall. We will discuss how the biology has been applied to the growing root systems of grasses over the year and how we aim to restore the soil by applying this biology to the plants in growth.

What to wear/Bring

• Work clothes and shoes
• Sun protection
• Water Bottle
• Gloves

Synergia website: https://synergiaranch.com/agroecology/

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2023-38640-39571 through the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward project number G139-25-WA507. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Co-sponsored by the Seeding Regenerative Agriculture Network