BREAKING: Students at Chico State University are urgently addressing soil health to support sustainable farming practices. On February 4, 2026, amidst the distant sounds of controlled pile burns, students Kaylee Mulhearn and Paige Flaig conducted critical soil tests aimed at enhancing natural growth conditions.
“This is the soil processing area, and it’s under the wing of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems,” said Flaig. Their work involves partnering with farmers across California to implement more regenerative practices that can significantly impact agricultural efficiency.
Today, the team tested various soil samples for nutrient qualities. Flaig explained, “We’re working with side-by-side comparisons and field analysis.” The students collect soil cores at different depths, measuring stability and water retention capabilities through a biological fungal community—vital indicators of soil health.
Mulhearn highlighted the importance of their work, stating, “We also do carbon-nitrogen testing and send samples to a lab in Montana to assess pH levels.” This comprehensive analysis seeks to reveal the differences in soil health between regenerative and conventional farming practices.
Both Mulhearn and Flaig emphasized a long-term goal: aiding farmers to utilize natural processes more efficiently while reducing reliance on synthetic materials. “We try to work with nature instead of against it,” Flaig stated.
The urgency of their findings resonates in a time where sustainable agriculture is more critical than ever. With rising input costs and environmental challenges, these students are at the forefront of a movement that could redefine farming practices in California and beyond.
As this initiative unfolds, the agricultural community awaits further insights that could revolutionize how farmers manage soil health, potentially leading to significant cost reductions and environmental benefits. Keep an eye on this developing story as Chico State students strive to make a lasting impact on the future of farming.
