As a Lab Technologist with the Soil Health Laboratory at the PEI Analytical Laboratories (PEIAL), Jason looks beyond the surface, playing a key role in understanding and improving the health of Island soils.
By analyzing both the physical and microbial makeup of soil, Jason and his colleagues give producers the tools to make informed decisions that support long-term sustainability.
Since joining the department, Jason has been impressed by the variety of projects and research underway to support soil and plant health across Prince Edward Island. From the Soil Quality Monitoring Project to biomass testing, to initiatives like the Aphid Alert program, he’s encouraged by how much is being done to help PEI’s environment and agriculture thrive.
For Jason, one of the most rewarding parts of his work has been seeing the PEIAL continue to grow and evolve, as new technologies and research findings come forward. He credits his colleagues for their dedication to continually strengthening methods and protocols.
Through the Soil First Farming initiative, Jason hopes Islanders are reminded that soil is fundamental to one of the province’s most important industries, and that protecting this natural resource is something that benefits everyone.
“Much of PEI’s beauty comes from its natural landscapes and wildlife. Without healthy soil, these riches can’t exist, not the rolling fields, nor the wildflowers, nor the forests, nor any of the animals that live on these lands.”
“It’s not just about rain and fertilizer; healthy soil needs years of careful environmental management to bring it to its best quality. That’s where we can help.”
