Nebraska Land Judging & Soil Evaluation

Land Judging is a high school competition that challenges students to gain a better understanding of soil structure and land evaluation. Land Judging enables each participant to learn how to recognize the physical features of the soil, determine land capability for crop production, and evaluate management practices needed for proper stewardship. Soil, land and home-site evaluation provide a setting for students to investigate the soils in their region, the environment that surrounds them and their effect on their daily lives.

Soil is one of the most important natural resources of our environment. Soil supports and influences the crops we grow for food and fiber, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. The soils of the world fit for plant growth must sustain all the plants, animals and humans that make the Earth their home. The soil acts as a filter for the water entering the groundwater supply, as well as interacting with or being eroded by the water that flows over the surface. Soil has a direct effect on the air we breathe when it becomes airborne and is evident when dust settles or obscures vision. Soil takes long periods of time to develop but can be destroyed or eroded away in very short periods. It is only through proper stewardship of soil that life on Earth can be sustained and improved.

Learn how the University of Nebraska–Lincoln propelled Husker Kennadi Griffis (Lincoln, NE) to an international championship in soil judging as a member of Team USA.

INFORMATION AND USEFUL TOOLS:

Changes for 2022

Land Judging Guide Book - Fundamentals of Land Evaluation in Nebraska

Guide for Applying Conservation Treatments for Land Evaluation

Setting Up and Holding a Land Evaluation Contest

Fact Sheet for Each Field Instructor

Field Information Card

South Central and South West Capability Chart

South East, East Central, North East, North Central Capability Charts

West Capability Chart

SCORECARD EXAMPLE: