A study by several agricultural organizations, including the Soil Health Institute, the National Association of Conservation Districts, and the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, found that investing in soil health has many benefits.
Dr. Wayne Honeycutt, helming the SHI, iterated the importance of soil health not just from an ecological standpoint but also as a strategic business move. He said, "It offers farmers the confidence to invest in their land's future."
The research team conducted a thorough assessment of soil health management systems (SHMS) across different types of crops. They interviewed 30 experienced farmers from 20 states to learn about their experiences with SHMS practices, such as rotational grazing, strip till, and manure incorporation.
Highlighted findings include: