- Understanding our soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties is key to profitable farm operations.
- 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.
Research and outreach focus on integrated approaches that use cover crops, tillage practices, and organic materials such as compost, manure, and biochar to improve soil health and improve resource use efficiency.
