NASA pushes next-gen soil testing and Earth data

NASA’s Earth Science Division Director says the agency is advancing its soil testing technology to deliver more precise field data.

Dr. Karen St. Germain tells Brownfield, “We’re building our next-generation sensor, that I hope is really going to give us even more insight into soil health and nutrients.”

She says NASA provides critical research for farmers and ranchers.

“We all know agriculture is part of the backbone of our country. Helping family farmers make the best informed decisions they can make every day is an important part of our mission.”

St. Germain says their field data is also related to exploration.

“When we do research on how we might grow food for space travel, what we learn about how plants work actually helps us develop more robust seeds here on Earth.”

She says NASA’s data is used in the USDA’s Supply and Demand reports, as well as the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor maps.

St. Germain spoke to Brownfield at the NAFB’s 2026 Washington Watch.

NASA’s Dr. Karen St. Germain: