The "Soil Your Undies" contest combines crude humor and crude science to help farmers see how the management choices they make impact the soil they work in. For two years now, local farmers and landowners have been burying extra large pairs of Hanes underwear, with the help of local farmer-led watershed councils, in a friendly competition to see how well their soil breaks down cotton. In just two months, healthy soils can completely demolish a pair of "tighty whities," whereas briefs “planted” in unhealthy soils often don’t show much decay.
Farmers win 'Soil Your Undies' contest
1 of 2
During two months this past summer, the healthy soil in the Mittag's pasture was able to demolish the cotton on a pair of briefs. Healthy soil means more nutrients are recycled back to the plants and more rainwater is infiltrated into the ground instead of running off of the farm.
The Mittags are presented with a trophy for winning the South Kinnickinnic "Soil Your Undies" contest.
Most Popular
EAST TROY, Wis. – Rain was sorely needed to break southern Wisconsin’s summer drought. It bucketed down Aug. 21 – washing out a proposed Kernz…
As producers prepare for silage harvest, remember that corn silage harvest is one of the most fast‑paced high‑stakes periods on a dairy farm, …
Northwestern-Wisconsin counties were recently impacted by soybean tentiform leafminer. Soybean tentiform leafminer was confirmed for the first…
Using technology and automation to target the use of inputs like fertilizer or irrigation can save costs, boost productivity and minimize envi…
Fall is just around the corner. Now is the time to take a look at pastures to decide if any renovation is needed.