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Land Judging is a middle school and 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 productions, and evaluate management practices needed for proper stewardship. Soil, land and home-site evaluation provide setting for students to investigate the soils in their region, the environment that surrounds them and their effect on their daily lives.
The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District & USDA-NRCS hosted its Annual Land Judging contest on Thursday, December 1, 2011 with students from schools in Hillsborough County. The Randall Middle School, Newsome High School, Armwood High School, Spoto High School, and Strawberry Crest High School participated in the competition.
The competition involves excavating 4 soil pits (provided by Dennis Carlton) that are large enough for the students to climb in. They are required to identify soil features such as: texture, permeability, depth, slope, erosion, drainage, and flooding. Competitors then must select from a list of conservation practices what would be required to properly utilize the land. Pam Walden, Agri-Business & Natural Resources with Hillsborough County Schools, coordinated the contest. The food was prepared and provided by a dedicated and a long term veteran of the Land Judging Contest, Douglas Holmberg. The lunch and award ceremony was held at the Hinton’s Farm off of Sydney Dover Road.
Strawberry Crest High School took overall 1st Place with the high score going to Kade Green. Newsome High School won 2nd Place. Armwood High School won 3rd Place. Randall Middle School won 1st Place with the high score going to Nick Dosik.
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