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Soil Health and Fertility
Cochise, Graham, Santa Cruz Counties
- Understanding our soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties is key to profitable farm operations. Focusing on its health ultimately determines success and long-term production.
- Healthy soils can sustain their ecosystems (plants, animals, and microbes) over a long time by providing benefits such as improved water-holding capacity and nutrient cycling, reduced nutrient runoff and soil erosion, and potentially enhanced crop yields.
- A health soil management system focuses on increasing soil carbon levels by addressing four principles: 1) minimize disturbance, 2) maximize soil cover, 3) optimize biodiversity, and 4) maximize the presence of living roots.
- Integrated approaches utilize cover crops, reduced tillage practices, and organic materials such as compost, manure, and biochar to improve soil health and improve resource use efficiency.
