Soil Health Principles 4

Living Roots pt. II

Margit K., Agriculture Agent

This series of articles addresses Soil Health Principles first articulated and advanced by Natural Resource Conservationist Jay Fuhrer of Menoken Farm in North Dakota. These principles have since been widely adopted, refined, and expanded upon by regenerative farmers and ranchers across the country and now commonly include: Context, Minimizing Disturbance through Reduced Tillage, Covering and Armoring the Soil, Living Roots, Biodiversity, and Integrating Livestock.

We addressed Living Roots in the Winter issue where we discussed plants as a ‘Soil Symbiote’ — ‘farming’ microbes through carbon rich root exudates in exchange for minerals. But there is more to say about the essential role living roots play to ensure soil stable-aggregates, increased organic matter and a biodiverse soil food web.

Let’s dig a bit deeper to compare perennial and annual cropping systems, explore reasons for maintaining living roots year-round, and examine the soil health benefits of doing so.

Perennial ecosystems — whether grasslands, forests, orchards, or hay fields — typically include a mix of cool- and warm-season grasses and forbs. These plants are adapted to spring and fall growth as well as intense summer heat, resulting in nearly continuous photosynthesis. Sunlight is converted into carbohydrates through what is often called the “liquid carbon pathway,” feeding both the plant and the soil microbial community throughout the year.

By contrast, annual cropping systems grow either cool- or warm-season crops that remain in the soil for only a few months. They are often followed by extended fallow periods before the next rotation. In many cases, the fallow window (~8 months) is significantly longer than the active growing season (~4 months). As discussed previously, leaving soil exposed during these periods can starve microbes of carbohydrates, leaving the microbial community no choice but to digest and breakdown organic matter, increasing the risk of wind and water erosion.

Cover crops — along with more diverse crop rotations (addressed in the next article) — are among the most effective tools to “close the gap” during fallow or dormant seasons. They provide a continuous supply of root exudates — or “liquid carbon” — the primary food supply for the soil food web...

Community Food Systems Updates

2026 Summits, Peer Networks, & World Cup Preparations



Quinlan C., Food Business Resource Navigator

Participants attend with up to two key partners and engage in structured work sessions alongside expert consultations in areas such as licensing, finance, production, and market readiness. The Summit model emphasizes practical, Kansas-specific guidance paired with peer-to-peer learning, helping entrepreneurs leave with concrete next steps and renewed confidence. Applications for both 2026 Summits will open on February 24 – stay tuned!

Peer Learning Groups for Farmers Market Managers and Shared Kitchen Operators

The Community Food Systems team is also launching two new peer learning networks in 2026: one for farmers market managers and one for shared-use kitchen operators. These groups are being developed in response to growing interest from local leaders seeking ongoing spaces to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and share resources with peers in similar roles.

Each cohort will convene regularly in a facilitated, collaborative format focused on practical topics such as operations, partnerships, financial sustainability, and community impact. The networks are intended to complement existing technical assistance by strengthening connections among practitioners statewide. Interest forms are currently open, with cohorts expected to begin in April 2026. Interested in joining? Apply here for Farmers Market Managers, and here for Shared Kitchen Operators.

Lawrence Named Official World Cup Base Camp for Algeria

As of February 19, it was officially confirmed that Algeria’s national soccer team will use Lawrence as its World Cup base camp, bringing international visitors and global attention to the community this summer. In preparation, the Community Food Systems team is partnering with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry to develop an official guide to Halal food preparation for Kansas restaurants and food producers...

Winter has a way of keeping us indoors—and often, that means we finally notice the overstuffed cabinet, the duplicate measuring cups, or the small appliance we haven’t used in years. If you’ve discovered a few kitchen items ready for a new home, we have the perfect solution.

The annual Extension Master Food Volunteer Kitchen Sale is just around the corner, and it’s your opportunity to declutter with purpose. By donating gently used kitchen items, you’re helping extend the life of useful tools while supporting meaningful community work.

Why Donate?

The Kitchen Sale is more than a great bargain event—it’s a community effort rooted in generosity and impact.

• Give new life to quality kitchen items
• Reduce clutter in your home
• Support local efforts to improve food security
• Invest in continued training for Extension Master Food Volunteers

If you would still use the item in your own kitchen, it’s likely suitable for donation. We welcome clean, well-maintained, working kitchen items and small appliances (please note: knives cannot be accepted).

Over the years, donations have included everything from high-end electric mixers to stainless steel cookware and specialty gadgets. You truly never know what kitchen treasure might appear on the sale floor.

What Shoppers Can Expect

Mark your calendar—this is a bargain hunter’s dream.

• Items priced at $10 or less
• Many smaller items offered multiple for $1
• A wide variety of cookware, bakeware, gadgets, and small appliances

Half of the proceeds from the sale are donated to community partners working to improve food security in Douglas County. The remaining funds support volunteer development and training, ensuring high-quality educational programming continues throughout the year

Whether you’re donating, shopping, or both, we invite you to be part of this annual tradition. It’s a simple way to refresh your kitchen, find a few hidden gems, and make a meaningful impact in our community.

Event Details

Donation Drop-Off

📍 Extension Office

🗓 March 2–March 20

⏰ Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Kitchen Sale

📍 Flory Meeting Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds

2110 Harper Street, Lawrence, KS 66046

🗓 Saturday, March 28

⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Available Resource!

K-State Extension - Douglas County is committed to helping residents adapt their landscapes to extreme weather conditions, improve water conservation practices, manage soil health, and sustain food production at both household and community levels. These needs are crucial in addressing the environmental challenges of prolonged drought, intense rainfall, and rising temperatures.

Compounding the effects of drought are higher spring and summer temperatures, elevated nighttime temperatures, intensified windstorms, soil degradation, and reduced landscape resilience to heavy rainfall. Growing food and sustaining ornamental landscapes is challenging in the best of circumstances, so Kansans are turning to K-State Extension for expertise in cultivating resilient landscapes.

Our goal is for Kansans to …

• irrigate plants to maximize plant health and minimize water use
• select hardy and resilient plant materials
• manage for extreme weather events
• enhance soil health
• sustain food production despite prolonged drought conditions

You can attain these goals by …

Douglas County 4-H Ambassadors

Youth Leadership in Action

Nickie H., 4-H Youth Development Agent

The 4-H Conundrum

Balancing Tradition & Innovation

Nancy N.ancy N., 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant

We strive to keep our Douglas County 4-H Program innovative and challenging. We do a balancing act of what has been a traditional baseline for our members and ensuring the programming that interfaces with the state contests and goals, yet we strive for unique and innovative programs tailored to create and nurture the “spark” in our youth audience.

A spark is a passion for a self-identified interest or skill; something that metaphorically lights a fire in young people. It fuels their positive energy and joy and motivates them towards skill-building.

One particular key to identifying the “sparks” within our county membership is the feedback we get from the county club leaders, the parents and the 4-H members. We spend time listening to these groups and observing what they are giving energy to, what is motivating them. As 4-H professionals, supporting our membership, our role is to champion their passions; be it collecting rocks, painting a mural, or training a dog to compete at the KS State Fair.

When we nurture and support youth-led interests, we all benefit. Our county 4-H program grows; youth remain engaged and develop life-skills and competencies, and our community is strengthened through cooperative and productive relationships...

NEWS, UPDATES, AND UPCOMING EVENTS.

Saturday, March 14 - Living with Fire: Prescribed Burning, Wildfire Safety, & Land Stewardship

Fire has shaped our landscapes for centuries—with both beneficial and destructive outcomes. This program explores fire as a management tool, covering prescribed burning, wildfire risk reduction, and practical steps homeowners can take to live more safely with fire. Participants will gain a better understanding of when fire helps, when it threatens, and how thoughtful planning can protect people, property, and ecosystems

Saturday, March 21 - Rain Barrel Workshop at the Garden Show

Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners will assemble your own rain barrel following a short public education program. EMGs will provide the barrel, the parts, and the know-how. Note: The barrels were donated, emptied of amorphous silica, and rinsed. However, there will be some residue. Collected water is not potable and is recommended for ornamental plantings.

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K-State Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) may be requested by contacting the event contact our main office or the event's program leader four weeks prior to the start of the event at 785-843-7058. Please see the full Douglas County staff list for detailed contact information. Requests received after programs' deadline dates will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.