Farmer Scientist Toolkit

Thank you for completing the tests from the Farmer Scientist Toolkit. Below you will find survey forms to enter results and feedback on each test. Please submit one form per field, e.g. field area 1 and fencerow/perennial area 1, then additional forms for field area 2, and field area 3.  

Feedback about the tests will be used to inform and revise future versions of the Farmer Scientist Kit. The information shared with Iowa Learning Farms will be used to support ongoing soil and water quality research at Iowa State University and remain confidential. Links referenced in the booklet can be found below, along with the Cover Crop Growing Calendar.

Mailing results from the Mesh Pad Protocol and Cover Crop Biomass Samplingback to Iowa Learning Farms:

• A padded envelope and cardboard box have been included in your supplies.

• For a prepaid mailing label, please contact Alena Whitaker, alenaw@iastate.edu or 515-294-2473.

Submit Results and Feedback

Please use the buttons below to submit your test results and feedback. Questions and photos can be directed to Alena Whitaker, alenaw@iastate.edu or 515-294-2473

Helpful Links

Slake Test

• Down in the Soil Pit: The Link Between Soil Aggregation and Infiltration, University of Wisconsin Extension

• How to Conduct the Field Slake Test, Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service

Infiltration Test

• Soil Health Assessments: Infiltration, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Cover Crops

• Cover Crop Growing Calendar

Nitrate Watch

• Sign Up Here