URGENT UPDATE: Students at Chico State University are taking immediate action to revolutionize soil health practices with groundbreaking tests conducted at the Chico State University Farm on February 4, 2026. Kaylee Mulhearn and Paige Flaig are spearheading efforts to implement regenerative agricultural practices to improve soil quality across California.
On a seemingly ordinary day at the farm, the sound of crackling pile burns fades as the students engage in complex soil testing to create optimal growth conditions. “This is the soil processing area, and it’s under the wing of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems,” Flaig explained. Their mission is clear: partner with local producers to incorporate more sustainable practices into farming.
Today, students are rigorously testing soil samples for vital nutrient qualities. “We’re working with side-by-side comparisons and field analysis,” Flaig noted. They collect soil cores at various depths to assess stability and water retention capabilities—key indicators of soil health.
Mulhearn elaborated on their comprehensive testing methods, including carbon-nitrogen tests and pH level analysis conducted in labs, including one in Montana. “This helps us understand the differences in soil health between regenerative and conventional practices,” she stated.
The urgency of their work cannot be overstated. By enhancing soil health, these students aim to assist farmers in using natural processes more efficiently, ultimately reducing the reliance on synthetic materials. “We try and work with nature instead of against it,” Flaig emphasized, highlighting the long-term vision of sustainable farming.
As agricultural challenges mount globally, innovations like those at Chico State are crucial. With the potential to transform farming practices, this initiative not only benefits local farmers but also contributes to broader environmental health.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these students are leading the charge in sustainable agriculture and the impact their work will have on the farming community and beyond.
