HOWARD — The East Knox FFA chapter recently sent members out to the Knox County Soils judging competition.
Students had the opportunity to compete in either the Ag Soils or Urban Soils Career Development event.
Students participating in the Urban Soils Career Development Event must have an understanding of soils for urban purposes. The members measured the slope, and evaluated the depth to any restrictive features, any bedrock and depth to the seasonal high water table.
The members must also be able to figure out what landform the pit is on and texture the topsoil, subsoil and substratum by feeling it and they must also figure out the soil structure of the subsoil.
Participants must be familiar with the best management practices for sections such as Buildings with Basements, Sewage and Septic Treatment Systems, Driveways and Local Roads and Lawns, Gardens and Landscaping.
By identifying all of these factors, the members will be able to figure out how the site can be best used for urban development and other urban uses.
Students participating in the Urban Soils Career Development event were: Noah Beckley, Brayden Moran, Braxton Spellman, Bryar Wilson.
The Urban Team took 5th place in the County.
For the Agricultural competition, students must measure slope, depth of the topsoil, subsoil and substratum.
As well as determine the soil type by texturing it, determine the seasonal high water table and root restriction levels and much more information about the pit. Contestants must be familiar with the requirements for various land management practices and land uses and identify what is best suited for that field.
Students participating in the Ag Soils Career Development event were: Noah Davies, Jaiden Frost, Liam Houston, Zach Lahmon, Karson Legros, Oliver Moran, Jameson Perry, Adalynn Rooth, Amelia Rooth, Ryder Roush, and Dixon Weaver.
The team took 4th in the county contest. The top five in each category advance to the District 7 competition.
