SOIL FIRST TEAM CASE STUDIES
As an Agronomic Extension Specialist, Sophia interprets soil and plant test results and turns them into clear, practical recommendations for Island producers. Her advice helps growers across PEI improve crop health while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Sophia also leads agronomic research and development for both the PEI Analytical Laboratories (PEIAL) and the PEIDA. She designs and carries out research trials to refine understanding of soil nutrient dynamics and crop requirements. With a background in data science and programming, she has also developed machine learning and artificial intelligence models to analyze agricultural data. By blending field agronomy with data science, she ensures research is both innovative and reliable.
“We are in a continuous battle to keep our soil rich and productive.”
This work involves practices like cover cropping, no-till methods, incorporating soil-building crops into rotations, and using nurse crops. Equally important are broader approaches, such as understanding soil health interactions and exploring the role of soil microbes in crop yields, which is where Sophia’s expertise makes a real difference.
Most recently, she helped revise and update PEIAL’s lime recommendations. By reviewing local and regional research and consulting with scientists and industry stakeholders, Sophia helped create more accurate recommendations that reduce unnecessary costs for producers, support soil health, and strengthen environmental sustainability.
“Whether it’s talking directly with a farmer, analyzing a soil sample, or writing code to uncover trends and patterns, my goal is always the same: to help PEI’s agricultural industry be as productive and sustainable as possible.”
