Tips for Improving Soil Health

More than any other asset, soil is the driving force behind strong yields and profitability. Farmers know that improving soil health is important to improving yield potential. But unlike a good-looking crop, soil health is most often invisible to the naked eye, making it difficult to see value in the short-term.

Here are three of the top strategies farmers can use to transform soil for the long run:

1. Begin by analyzing how water moves in your field. If compaction or erosion has been an issue, a field cannot absorb stormwater very well. Being cognizant of this can lead a farmer to experiment with cover crops or different tillage strategies.
2. Keeping a living root is important in healthy soils. Soil is a living ecosystem; without living roots, soil microbes can die off along with water-holding capacity or the development of any organic matter.
3. Use a holistic approach. Farmers who view their fields as part of the larger environment can benefit from strategic nutrient utilization and biodiversity.

Read more strategies for improving soil health here.