By Madelyn Celovsky and Angie Gradiz
Michigan State University seeks 20 Michigan farmers willing to participate in an initiative called the Soil Health Advancement for Agriculture Resilience Enhancement (SHARE).
Farmers are constantly working to improve the resiliency of their operations. Some do this by diversifying their crops, investing in new infrastructure like barns, or upgrading an old planter with new technology. One important way farmers build resiliency is by investing in their soil through regenerative practices, like reducing tillage and planting cover crops. Regenerative practices not only improve soil structure and nutrient cycling but also improve the soil’s ability to store water.
By increasing organic matter and reducing compaction, soils can absorb and store more water in the soil profile during dry periods. Improved soil water-holding capacity also enhances resilience by reducing surface runoff during heavy rain events, helping to protect both crop yields and the environment. A solid understanding of soil-water relationships is essential for improving water efficiency and overall agricultural productivity.