
Interactive ag education
In this month's cover story, we showcase examples of experiential learning, or “learning by doing,” where undergraduate students are introduced to topics in agronomy and soil science.

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Our spring 2026 virtual mentorship program allows members across ASA, CSSA, and SSSA to connect regardless of location or meeting attendance. Become a mentor or mentee: sign up by April 15!
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Soil riddles: April 2026
Think you know soils? Test your knowledge in our new series, “Soil Riddles.”
If you are the first to guess the correct soil series name and its geographical location correctly, we’ll publish your name along with the answer in an upcoming issue.

Interactive ag education
College students study agronomy and soil science through experiential, hands-on learning
- Experiential learning, “learning by doing,” is a potential way to introduce undergraduate students to topics in agronomy and soil science.
- Dr. Grace Ogden excites her new students about soils using LEGO bricks. She presented this activity at CANVAS 2025.
- Dr. Randa Jabbour encourages her students to think deeper about topics in agroecology by connecting lectures to museum artworks. She published her experience in Natural Sciences Education.
Weekly Policy News Updates from Washington, DC
Nearly every week, we're updating you on the latest policy developments from Washington, DC and how it affects you.
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Growing more bountiful wheat, year after year
Study finds consistent genetic gains over six decades
A new long-term study reveals that decades of wheat breeding have steadily increased yields in hard red spring wheat, demonstrating the real impact of sustained public investment and innovation. But with global demand rising, researchers warn that even faster genetic gains will be needed to ensure future food security.
This article is part of our Down to Earth series, which breaks down and explains food, farming, and environmental sciences for readers of all backgrounds, including those without formal scientific training.
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Down to Earth
Our Down to Earth section publishes food, farming, and environmental concepts and research in language that is easy to understand by all, including those without formal scientific training. Visit us each week as we continue to add more sections and content.
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