The Clemson Soils Team, known as the Muddy Tigers, recently showcased their skills at the 2024 National Soils Contest in Iowa, held from April 20-27. This team of seven undergraduate students from the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences (CAFLS) earned their spot at the national level after excelling at the 2023 Regional Collegiate Soils Contest in West Virginia.
For five days, the Muddy Tigers immersed themselves in studying soils vastly different from those in South Carolina. The team included seniors Ann Marie Brooks (ENR), Hayden McLamb (ENR), and Jessica Ryberg (HORT); junior Katie Counasse (PES-Agronomy); and sophomores Kal Geiman (PES-Agronomy), Hannah Spurrell (HORT and PES-Ag. Biotech.), and Lanie Deyo (HORT).
Competing against 24 other teams from universities across the USA, the Muddy Tigers had the chance to connect and learn from students, faculty, and NRCS employees. In the individual contest, Hayden McLamb achieved an impressive 15th place out of 100 students, while the team secured the 14th spot overall.
Team coach Dara Park noted that the most rewarding part of the week was seeing the students’ enthusiasm as they explored and studied new soil types. One student even discovered their “perfect soil,” composed of 30% sand, 20% clay, and 50% silt.
The soils team poses with an unusual sandy soil in Ames, Iowa. Top (left to right): Lanie Deyo, Ann Marie brooks, Hayden McLamb, Jessica Ryberg and Kal Geiman. Bottom (Hannah Surrell (left) and Katie Counasse (right). 
Ann Marie Brooks (left) and Lanie Deyo (right) examine a soil in Ames, Iowa.
