Soil challenges come in many forms, and the solutions aren’t always obvious. In this interactive Q&A webinar, hosts Carol Collins and Kirsten Kurtz will explore strategies for dealing with some of the toughest situations: compaction (including the added difficulty of clay soils), stress from heat and salts near sidewalks and streets, recently disturbed ground after construction, soils with low organic matter (including sandy soils), and how to best care for soil in the root zones of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Along the way, they’ll also touch on how to know when a plant problem isn’t soil-related and where to turn for specialized diagnostic help.
If you have questions about how to improve your soil, make sure to submit them ahead of time to [email protected]. We’ll be taking questions live, but are happy to have some ahead of time, too.
Hosts: Carol Collins and Kirsten Kurtz
Date & Time: January 16th, 2026, 9am EST
About Kirsten Kurtz
Kirsten is the Assistant Director of the Cornell Soil Health Lab, where she helps growers and gardeners interpret soil tests and improve management strategies. With a master’s degree in Natural Resources and the Environment from Cornell, she specializes in assessing and remediating degraded soils. She’s also known for her innovative soil paintings, artworks made from natural soil pigments that celebrate both the beauty and importance of healthy soils.
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