Coming from a farming background, Kurtis appreciates first-hand how the day-to-day decisions producers make can impact them for years to come.
As a Soil and Water Conservation Engineer, Kurtis works with landowners, farmers, conservation groups and other government staff to improve soil conservation and environmental sustainability on PEI. He designs soil erosion control structures in fields, offers soil management advice and helps livestock producers with manure guidelines, storages, and livestock facilities.
One project that Kurtis has been involved in is the Improved Liquid Manure Application trials facilitated by Living Labs PEI. The trial helps livestock producers explore other ways of applying their liquid manure, either through dribble bar technology or injecting directly into the soil instead of the typical broadcast method.
This helps reduce emissions and odor, and improves the use of nutrients from the manure, which means that less fertilizer can yield the same or better result.
“Making our soil stronger is more of a marathon than a sprint. I want Islanders to know that much of what PEI Producers do improves soil health."
