View of field of cord seedlings in springWhile the U.S. corn belt is generally blessed with productive, fertile soils, it is up to growers to use responsible production practices to keep their soils that way for generations to come. Building soil carbon is one way to ensure healthy, rich soils for optimal crop production and a sustainable operation – regardless of whether the grower participates in a carbon market or not.

Two key ways to build carbon in your soils include reduced tillage and cover crops or double-cropping. Allowing the grazing of animals such as cattle and sheep can help encourage carbon-building through plant growth and regrowth.

Read more on carbon-building tips for optimal soil health here.