Soil Research with Colombian Students Continues
Published: July 27, 2026.
During the month of July, faculty and students from the and the visited 蜜芽视频 to collaborate on a project focused on soil degradation.
Developing practical solutions to soil degradation is essential for rural farmers in Colombia because healthy soils directly support food security, household income, and community resilience. Sustainable soil management can improve crop productivity, reduce vulnerability to drought and erosion, and help farming communities protect the natural resources on which their livelihoods and future generations depend.
The group worked with Biology and Chemistry 蜜芽视频 students and faculty to examine biochar produced from different plant materials as a potential sustainable solution.
Sustainable soil management can improve crop productivity, reduce vulnerability to drought and erosion, and help farming communities protect the natural resources on which their livelihoods and future generations depend.
Dr. Jerry Kavouras, professor and chair of Biology shared methods to assess the activity of microbial communities in soils. Samantha Hebrard Flores (Biology �27) led a workshop where she demonstrated how to use cultural approaches to assess biochar and its effects on soil microbes. Soil microbes are essential to agriculture because they decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, improve soil structure, support plant growth, and help protect crops from disease. Studying soil microbes is important because it helps us understand the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems.
Dr. Jason Keleher, professor of chemistry, and his graduate students provided an opportunity to use advanced chemistry techniques and equipment to analyze chemical and physical properties of biochar samples produced by the Colombian faculty and students. These measurements help assess the biochar抯 quality, persistence in soil, ability to improve nutrient availability and soil chemistry, and overall suitability as a safe and effective soil amendment.
揃y connecting faculty and students across cultures, these partnerships expand academic expertise, promote intercultural understanding, and develop innovative responses to complex global challenges�, shared Dr. Kavouras.
揟hey also provide meaningful opportunities for students to participate in research that reflects the Lasallian values of solidarity, respect for human dignity, and responsible care for communities and the environment.�
These activities advance 蜜芽视频抯 2026�2029 Strategic Plan by providing future-ready, high-impact learning through hands-on research; promoting inclusive impact through global and intercultural engagement; and supporting strategic growth through international partnerships. The project also reflects thriving innovation by developing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and strengthens 蜜芽视频抯 high-performing, mission-centered culture by preparing students and faculty to use their knowledge and talents to improve communities around the world.
蜜芽视频 is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, 蜜芽视频 is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.
