Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- Ten students from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville tested their knowledge of soils at the American Society of Agronomy Region III Collegiate Soils competition Oct. 3 and 4. The contest was held at the UW-Stevens Point Treehaven Field Station near Tomahawk.

The team, consisting of Dana Clark from Mount Hope; Ross Brunsman from New Vienna, Iowa.; Jeremy Flikkema of Lanark, Ill.; Jacob Gevelinger of Mineral Point; Matt Karls of Waterloo; Katie Lidbury of Roscoe, Ill.; Drew Nesemeier of Milledgeville, Ill.; Ben Ritchie of Darlington; Dan Schober of Milton; and Casey Watkins of Woodstock, Ill. The team was coached by Chris Baxter, UWP associate professor of soil and crop science, competed against approximately 70 other students from six four-year universities and three two-year colleges. Only the top three teams qualify for the national contest held in April in Springfield, Mo.

"As a first time member of the soils team, placing second was very exciting. I never realized just how much time and hard work would have to be put into studying for the competition, but I loved learning about soils ... It's been a great experience," said Clark.

Commented Karls, "It felt great, and was a relief because we had pressure on us to hold the continuous stretch of going to nationals."

Four UWP students placed in the top 10 as individuals. Nesemeier placed second, Lidbury placed eighth, Flikkema placed ninth and Clark placed 10th. The Wisconsin Society of Professional Soils Scientists donated awards for the top teams and individuals.

"We were all amazed; and when we had four members place in the top 10 and took second overall, we were all very excited and overcome with relief," said Watkins.

This is the 37th year that UWP has qualified for nationals. They have won the national competition 11 times.

"When we won second, I felt honored to be able to continue the long standing tradition that the UWP soils team has had for many years," stated Flikkema.

For the contest, participants had to describe, classify and evaluate soil for specific land uses at four individually judged sites and two group judged sites. To prepare, the team practiced two hours each week and studied the material on their own. They are continuing practice and looking at soils of Missouri to prepare for the national competition.

Ron Hensler and Steve Levine from UW-Stevens Point organized the regional contest. Anyone wanting more information about the UWP soils team may contact Baxter at (608) 342-1388 or baxterch@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Chris Baxter, professor, soil and crop science, (608) 342-1388, baxterch@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu