URGENT UPDATE: Students at Chico State University are taking immediate action to improve soil health through innovative testing methods at the university farm. On February 4, 2026, students Kaylee Mulhearn and Paige Flaig were busy conducting crucial soil tests aimed at enhancing agricultural practices across California.
The team is part of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems, where they collaborate with local producers to implement sustainable farming techniques. “This is the soil processing area,” Flaig explained, emphasizing the importance of their work. “We try to implement more regenerative practices and management styles into the system.”
Currently, the students are testing various soil samples to evaluate nutrient qualities and stability. “We are working with side-by-side comparisons and field analysis,” Flaig noted. By measuring the soil’s ability to retain water and maintain its structure, they aim to assess its health and biological activity.
Both Mulhearn and Flaig highlighted their commitment to using natural processes to support farmers. “We aim to help farmers be more efficient while reducing the input costs of synthetic materials,” Flaig stated. Their efforts not only improve soil health but also contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition to soil stability tests, the students perform carbon-nitrogen testing and send samples to a lab in Montana for pH analysis. These efforts are vital for comparing regenerative and conventional farming practices, with the goal of demonstrating the long-term benefits of working with nature.
As the agricultural landscape faces increasing challenges, this initiative at Chico State is a critical step toward reshaping farming for the future. The students’ work is not just about soil; it’s about ensuring sustainable food production for generations to come.
With the demand for regenerative practices growing, the spotlight is now on how these students’ findings will impact local farmers and the broader agricultural community. Stay tuned for more updates on their groundbreaking work at Chico State University.
