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NUSHI Study

Getting scientific: Test results revealed from statewide soil health study

Kristen Sindelar
Feb 23, 2026
Feb 23, 2026

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Three years ago, hundreds of gardeners across Nebraska rolled up their sleeves and dug deep into soil health. They volunteered to dedicate a 100-square-foot portion of their gardens to the Nebraska Urban Soil Health Initiative (NUSHI), a research trial offered in partnership through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

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NUSHI 3.jpg — Backyard and urban gardens are becoming increasingly popular in the campaign for localized food production.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Health of body, mind and spirit stems from the garden

Nebraska Urban Soil Health Initiative updates

Three years ago, hundreds of gardeners across Nebraska rolled up their sleeves and dug deep into soil health. They volunteered to dedicate a 1…

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NUSHI 1.jpg — Productive gardens begin with healthy soils, as proven by the multi-year study Nebraska Urban Soil Health Initiative.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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NUSHI 2.jpg — Milla Jones credits an abundant harvest to the weed barrier and compost provided by the study the first year.
Submitted photo by Milla Jones

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar participated in the NUSHI study and shared her journey with Midwest Messenger readers over the last two years. Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.