URGENT UPDATE: Students at Chico State University are conducting critical soil tests today, February 4, 2026, aimed at revolutionizing agricultural practices across California. With the support of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems, students Kaylee Mulhearn and Paige Flaig are performing intricate analyses to improve soil health and promote sustainable farming.
In a hands-on effort to combat agricultural challenges, Mulhearn and Flaig are conducting tests in the university farm’s soil processing area. “We partner with producers across the state to implement more regenerative practices,” Flaig explains. This initiative is crucial for enhancing soil stability and nutrient retention, ultimately benefiting farmers and the environment.
Today, the students are focusing on a series of trials that compare different soil samples for their nutrient qualities. “We collect forage samples and analyze them for nutritive qualities, while also measuring soil cores at various depths,” Flaig adds. The aim is to evaluate how well the soil can retain water and maintain its structure through a thriving biological community.
The urgency of these tests cannot be overstated. As climate change and unsustainable farming practices threaten food security, Mulhearn emphasizes the importance of these efforts. “We are working to see the differences in soil health between regenerative and conventional practices,” she says. The analyses include carbon-nitrogen testing and pH level assessments sent to a lab in Montana for further evaluation.
The long-term goal of these initiatives is significant: to enhance efficiency for farmers while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and chemicals. By harnessing natural processes, the students hope to create a more sustainable agricultural model that works in harmony with the environment.
This project reflects a growing movement towards regenerative agriculture, which aims to improve soil health and increase biodiversity. As these students continue their vital work, the implications for the agricultural community and the environment are immense.
Stay tuned as we follow the latest developments from the Chico State University Farm, where these students are at the forefront of a critical shift in farming practices. Their research could set a new standard for sustainable agriculture, impacting farmers and ecosystems across the state and beyond.
