CLARKSBURG — The Liberty High School FFA Chapter Soils Team is preparing to travel west to Oklahoma City this week to participate in the National Land Judging and Homesite Evaluation Contest. This will be the second time in the last four years that Liberty FFA has represented West Virginia in this event.
The purpose of this contest is to increase awareness of the importance of soil resources and educate students on the diversity of soils. The contest will introduce the basics of soil assessment and proper management for agricultural and urban land uses over several soil factors including identifying soil texture and permeability, calculation of slope and erosion, and understanding of runoff and flood hazards. These factors are then used to recommend conservation practices and fertilizers for conserving the soil in Land Capability Classes.
The National Land Judging and Homesite Evaluation Contest is in its 70th Year. Over 100 Teams from across the country will compete and demonstrate their knowledge in the fields of Oklahoma next week. FFA Members Peyton Forsyth, Gavin Oliverio, Levi Barnes, and Jeremy Baddley will compete on Thursday, May 4th, after practicing on farms in the surrounding area leading up to the contest. Liberty FFA’s Advisor and coach for the team is Zach Tennant.