Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation for long-term success for all farms and ranches. Whether organic or conventional, raising livestock or crops, your operation will benefit when you continually improve your soil’s health. ATTRA’s soil resources can help you prevent soil erosion, increase soil organic matter and water holding capacity, manage soil fertility, and improve the profitability of your farm.

Unhealthy soil doesn’t absorb much water. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, capable of holding hundreds of thousands of gallons of water in an acre. Regenerative farming practices enable the soil to capture rainfall that otherwise might disappear as runoff. Economically, these practices can increase crop and forage production, drought resilience, access to lucrative new markets, and therefore profitability. Environmentally, they can improve soil health and biodiversity.

Soil for Water

Soil for Water supports an expanding network of farmers and ranchers who are taking steps to catch and hold more water in the soil. The Soil for Water project grew out of the western megadrought, which is putting a strain on agricultural producers across the country.

The free and voluntary program combines the use of appropriate technology, peer-to-peer learning, and adaptive management to encourage the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices. The Soil for Water project is about building lasting infrastructure and connecting dynamic agricultural producers that will make farms, ranches, and communities more resilient in the face of persistent drought and other natural disasters.

Ellie Fleshman of Fleshman Farms in Teton County Montana USDA NRCS Flickr CC

Featured Topics

ATTRA’s Soil Resources

Examining soil health in hand

Episode 365. Calcium: The ‘Premier’ Soil Nutrient   

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture…
Photo of Guille Yearwood

New Publications Showcase Success Stories of Regenerative Grazing in the South

Regenerative grazing that builds soil health and improves water…

Regenerative Grazing in the South: Changing Attitudes and Gaining Ground

By Mike Morris, NCAT Agriculture Specialist “When I was in…

Heaven’s Hollow Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study

Jacob Gilley Madison County, Virginia Heaven’s Hollow Farm…
Photo of Buck Holsinger explains the use of polywire at the Armed to Farm training at Holsinger Homestead Farm, August 2024.
Crops being watered by irrigationCanva Pro

Soil for Water Video Case Studies

In this video, Eric Benfeldt, an Extension Specialist with…

Soil for Water Video Case Studies Introduction

Eric Benfeldt, an Extension Specialist with Virginia Cooperative…

Glade Road Growing: A Soil for Water Case Study

Montgomery County, Virginia Glade Road Growing is a small…

Cattle Run Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study

Greene County, Virginia Cattle Run Farm is a third-generation,…

Ellett Valley Beef Company: A Soil for Water Case Study

Montgomery County, Virginia In this video, Gil Yearwood of…

Swisher Family Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study

Rockbridge County, Virginia Jerry Swisher is a cattleman,…

Singing Spring Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study

Craig County, Virginia Adam Taylor and Elizabeth Spellman-Taylor…

Shamoka Run Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study

Augusta County, Virginia Shamoka Run Farm is a modest family…

Bramble Hollow Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study

Bedford County, Virginia Bramble Hollow Farm is owned and…

Holsinger Homeplace Farms: A Soil for Water Video Case Study

Rockingham County, Virginia Social Media Holsinger Homeplace…

Ember Cattle Company: A Soil for Water Case Study

Ember Cattle Company: A Soil for Water Case Study Becky Szarzynski…