4 The Soil: A Conversation

Eric Bendfeldt

Soil. What is it, really? It’s more than the dirt under our feet and the ground we stand on. Soil is living and life-giving. Listen in as we unlock the mysteries of soil by speaking with people at the forefront of the soil health movement. “4 The Soil: A Conversation” is part of the 4 The Soil Awareness Campaign led by Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. The campaign’s purpose is to raise awareness of soil as a critical agricultural and natural resource for social, economic, and environmental health. The podcast is a collaboration of Virginia Tech's School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation, Virginia Cooperative Extension, On The Farm Radio, USDA-NRCS, and the Virginia Soil Health Coalition with specific funding from the Agua Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Virginia Tech’s Department of Agriculture, Leadership, and Community Education’s Community Viability grant program.  Hear and learn from farmers, agricultural professionals, conservation leaders, master gardeners, and many more on how and why to be 4 The Soil.

  1. 2d ago

    S6 - E15: Grassland Birds and Forages with Justin Proctor of the Smithsonian's Virginia Working Landscapes

    Do you love to watch birds? Are you occasionally surprised on a morning walk by the flutter and fury of birds emerging from a nearby tree or grassland? Justin Proctor, coordinator of the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative of the Smithsonian Institute's Virginia Working Landscapes' program, shares his insights, expertise, and passion for his work with Jeff, Mary, and Eric. Justin also emphasized that more than 60 bird species depend on Virginia grassland for their habitat and survival.   Virginia is unique as a migratory fly zone where many migrating birds will briefly stop in fields to rest and refuel before continuing a northward migration in the spring and southward migration in the fall. Therefore, knowing nesting times, habitat protection strategies, and migration patterns are critical to help these species to flourish. If this episode encouraged you to enhance the habitat for grassland birds on your farmland, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative has plenty of practical factsheets, educational workshops, incentive programs, and partners to assist you. For those interested in hosting a conservation-minded speed-dating workshop, please refer to this event planning guide and checklist.  Tune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcast As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:  1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends; 2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy; 3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and 4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additionally, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/ If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, or soil health principles, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.   4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest. To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today’s program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

    S6 - E15: Grassland Birds and Forages with Justin Proctor of the Smithsonian's Virginia Working Landscapes

  2. Jul 7

    S6 - E14: Keeping Soil Active with Dr. Ray Weil of the University of Maryland, Part II

    What do healthy soils and healthy people have in common? According to Dr. Ray Weil, they both thrive when they're kept active. And just like staying active begins with a purpose, every successful cover crop system starts with a goal. Jeff, Mary, and Eric continue their conversation with Dr. Weil of the University of Maryland, exploring how your objectives—from reducing erosion and improving water infiltration to building soil health and increasing resilience—should guide every cover crop decision. Along the way, Dr. Weil explains how living roots keep soils active, feeding the biology belowground, and strengthening the system over time. Whether you're new to cover crops or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers practical insights grounded in decades of research and real-world experience. If this episode got you thinking more deeply about cover crop systems, the University of Maryland’s Cover Crop Innovation Center is a great next stop—dig into how researchers are keeping living roots in the ground year-round and rewriting what “resting soil” really means. Tune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcast As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:  1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends; 2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy; 3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and 4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additionally, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/ If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, or soil health principles, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.   4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest. To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today’s program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

    S6 - E14: Keeping Soil Active with Dr. Ray Weil of the University of Maryland, Part II

  3. Jun 23

    S6 - E13: A Life Rooted in Soil Health with Dr. Ray Weil of the University of Maryland, Part I

    In this special National Soil Health Day episode, Jeff, Mary, and Eric talk with Dr. Ray Weil of the University of Maryland. An internationally recognized soil scientist, Dr. Weil shares how a desire to make a difference in the world led him from an interest in medicine to a lifelong career in soil science. The conversation explores his early experiences managing an organic farm, decades of work pioneering cover crop research, and his belief that plants are among the most powerful tools for improving soil health. From living roots and plant diversity to soil biology and resilient farming systems, Dr. Weil highlights how working with nature and using plants to feed and protect the soil can benefit both the soil and the people who depend on it.  In celebration of National Soil Health Day, keep the learning going by reading and watching! Dive into The Nature and Properties of Soils, co-authored by Dr. Ray Weil, and then head to YouTube to watch In the Soil Pit #1 with Professor Ray Weil: Soil Horizons. Whether you're new to soil science or a longtime enthusiast, these resources bring the world beneath our feet to life! Tune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcast As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:  1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends; 2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy; 3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and 4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additional, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/ If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, or how you can celebrate National Soil Health Day on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.    4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest. To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today’s program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

    S6 - E13: A Life Rooted in Soil Health with Dr. Ray Weil of the University of Maryland, Part I

  4. Jun 9

    S6 - E12: From Biosolids to Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Lauren Hines-Acosta of the Chesapeake Bay Journal, Part II

    Lauren Hines-Acosta of the Chesapeake Bay Journal returns to talk with Jeff, Mary, and Eric about emerging issues that affect regional agriculture and the Bay ecosystem. Laura's scientific research and writing includes increased concern about biosolid applications to agricultural fields and possible contamination with "forever chemicals"; how artificial intelligence can increase nitrogen use efficiency; and how other technologies can detect what nutrients are being contributed by cover crop mixtures to ensuing crop rotations.  If you are interested in Lauren's recent articles about biosolids, artificial intelligence, and conservation easements, please visit the Chesapeake Bay Journal website at https://www.bayjournal.com/ Tune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcast As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:  1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends; 2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy; 3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and 4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additional, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/ If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, or how you can celebrate National Soil Health Day on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.   4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest. To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today’s program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

    S6 - E12: From Biosolids to Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Lauren Hines-Acosta of the Chesapeake Bay Journal, Part II

  5. May 26

    S6 - E11: Small and Expansive Wonders with Lauren Hines-Acosta of the Chesapeake Bay Journal, Part I

    The Chesapeake Bay watershed is a national treasure with many small and expansive wonders. Lauren Hines-Acosta is a scientific journalist and staff writer with the Chesapeake Bay Journal's Virginia office. Lauren took a keen interest in science at a young age and was particularly intrigued by physics and astronomy. As a science writer covering Virginia's portion of the Bay watershed, Lauren is able to share through her writing about the small and expansive wonders she discovers in her research. Lauren talks with Jeff, Mary, and Eric how the Chesapeake Bay impacts and engages people and communities on many levels, especially those people who live near and depend on the water. Lauren's inquisitiveness has led to writing recent articles about "forever chemicals", menhaden, solar, and other topics related to the care of soil and the overall health of the Bay.      If you are interested in Lauren's recent articles about declining water levels in Virginia's Potomac River aquifer and "forever chemicals", or Karl Blankenship's Agriculture and the Bay series, please visit the Chesapeake Bay Journal website at https://www.bayjournal.com/ Tune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcast As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:  1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends; 2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy; 3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and 4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additional, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/ If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.   4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest. To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today’s program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

    S6 - E11: Small and Expansive Wonders with Lauren Hines-Acosta of the Chesapeake Bay Journal, Part I

  6. May 12

    S6 - E10: Cover Crops, Wind Erosion, and Snirt with Kim Melton of the Red River Basin Commission, Pt. II

    Soil loss and erosion can occur by rainfall or wind. Kim Melton, the soil health coordinator for the Red River Basin Commission, emphasizes that soil loss by wind erosion is farmers' and soil conservationists' number one resource concern because crop fields are so flat throughout the region. The movement of soil off cropland and the landscape by wind or rain means critical nutrients and soil organic matter are also being lost. Building up, maintaining, and keeping soil organic matter (SOM) in the soil through cover crops and crop rotations is particularly important for preventing erosion and retaining moisture. One percent of SOM equates to about an additional 14 days of moisture for crops. Farmers want soil to be a sponge. Similarly, farmers keep the soil covered and armored to prevent "snirt" (that is, snow plus dirt) from sullying road banks and rural views during the winter months.  To learn more about Kim's work and the Red River Basin Commission, please visit https://www.redriverbasincommission.org/. For more information about the Supply Chain Soil Health Partnership and its goals to improve the food value chain from the soil up, please visit https://www.redriverbasincommission.org/soil-health-partnership  If you are interested in working trees and incorporating agroforestry on your farm, please visit the U.S. Forest Services' s National Agroforestry Center for free publications and factsheets at https://www.fs.usda.gov/nac/resources/publications/index.php Tune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcast As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:  1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends; 2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy; 3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and 4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additional, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/ If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.   4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest. To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today’s program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

    S6 - E10: Cover Crops, Wind Erosion, and Snirt with Kim Melton of the Red River Basin Commission, Pt. II

  7. Apr 28

    S6 - E9: Moving Agriculture Forward with Kim Melton of the Red River Basin Commission, Pt. I

    Keeping soil on the land is a sound way to grow and move agriculture forward. Kim Melton is the soil health coordinator for the Red River Basin Commission. Kim coordinates soil health education and outreach across three states, one province, and two countries in the Red River Valley. Kim shares with Mary, Eric, and Jeff how soil health goes beyond just sustaining agriculture to include understanding the marriages of different perspectives among farmers, scientists, and others who can impact agriculture in a positive way.  To learn more about Kim's work and the Red River Basin Commission, please visit https://www.redriverbasincommission.org/. For more information about the Supply Chain Soil Health Partnership and its goals to improve the food value chain from the soil up, please visit https://www.redriverbasincommission.org/soil-health-partnership  Tune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcast As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:  1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends; 2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy; 3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and 4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additional, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/ If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.   4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest. To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today’s program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

    S6 - E9: Moving Agriculture Forward with Kim Melton of the Red River Basin Commission, Pt. I

  8. Apr 14

    S6 - E8: Healthier Communities, Stronger Economies, and Hippos with Jeff, Mary, and Eric

    Soil health is a foundation for healthier communities, stronger economies, and more resilient landscapes. And yes, hippos can be major pests. During this episode of 4 The Soil: A Conversation, Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt share who and what is for(4) the soil.  Celebrating Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, is a great way to build on that foundation.  Tune in, subscribe, and like anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcast As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning and to follow the four core soil health principles:  1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends; 2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy; 3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and 4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity. You're invited to join an online presentation and conversation with previous podcast guest Bob Jones Jr., co-owner and chief executive officer of The Chef’s Garden in Huron, Ohio! "The Chef’s Garden: The Flavor of Health and Resilience" Monday, April 20, 2026 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. (EST) Online via Zoom REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/VAF2T-ChefsGarden-register   To enjoy recent 4 The Soil blog posts and additional upcoming educational webinars and field days, please visit https://www.4thesoil.org/blog and https://www.virginiasoilhealth.org/. For questions about soil and water conservation practices and outdoor educational conservation activities for youth, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.   4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest. To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today’s program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

    S6 - E8: Healthier Communities, Stronger Economies, and Hippos with Jeff, Mary, and Eric
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Soil. What is it, really? It’s more than the dirt under our feet and the ground we stand on. Soil is living and life-giving. Listen in as we unlock the mysteries of soil by speaking with people at the forefront of the soil health movement. “4 The Soil: A Conversation” is part of the 4 The Soil Awareness Campaign led by Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. The campaign’s purpose is to raise awareness of soil as a critical agricultural and natural resource for social, economic, and environmental health. The podcast is a collaboration of Virginia Tech's School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation, Virginia Cooperative Extension, On The Farm Radio, USDA-NRCS, and the Virginia Soil Health Coalition with specific funding from the Agua Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Virginia Tech’s Department of Agriculture, Leadership, and Community Education’s Community Viability grant program.  Hear and learn from farmers, agricultural professionals, conservation leaders, master gardeners, and many more on how and why to be 4 The Soil.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric Bendfeldt
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Virginia Tech
  • Show Website
    4 The Soil: A Conversation

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