Date and Time
September 29, 2026 at 01:00 PM in Indiana (ET)
Description
Welcome to the American Floral Endowment’s Grow Pro Webinar Series! Throughout this series, our nationally recognized researchers, hosts, and speakers will offer ‘how-to’ advice based on AFE-funded and other research projects to help the industry navigate these ever-changing growing challenges. The webinar topics are current and offer long-term opportunities for growers to focus on increased profit, greater sustainability, and improved labor efficiency. Each session includes a presentation and interactive Q&A. To see the full series calendar, visit endowment.org/GrowPro. The September 29th session focuses on soil science for sustainable cut flower production. Healthy soil is the foundation of successful and sustainable cut flower production. In this Grow Pro webinar, Melanie Stock of Utah State University will explore key soil science principles that support strong plant growth, nutrient efficiency, and long-term soil health. Attendees will learn how soil physical, chemical, and biological properties influence crop performance and management decisions. This session will provide practical insights growers can use to build resilient production systems from the ground up.
About the Speaker – Dr. Melanie Stock (Soil Scientist,·Utah State University)
Dr. Stock is a soil scientist. Her lab focuses on high-value crops and resource use efficiency to improve the environmental sustainability and economic viability of small farms. Her research focuses on adapting cut flower crops for Utah, from basic cultivation methods to nutrient management and physics-based season extension, overwintering, and water-use efficiency. Her teaching interests include community-based education through Extension outreach with microfarmers, master gardeners, and community gardens. Topics include cut flowers, high tunnels, backyard livestock, manure management, and soil fertility.