Soil Health Resources
The following are great resources to learn more about soil health, including why it is important and what you can do to improve your soil.
Building Soils for Better Crops is a guide to ecological soil management, with step-by-step information on soil-improving practices, in-depth background on soil science, and case studies of farmers from across the country.
Articles and recent research done by the WSU Soil Health Research Center
The Soil Health Institute is a non-profit whose mission is enhance the vitality and productivity of soil through scientific research and advancement. The Institute works to identify gaps in research and adoption; develop strategies and funding to address those gaps; and ensure it benefits agriculture, the environment and society.
Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education (SARE) provides an interactive webpage that explains what is soil health, why its important, and how to improve it.
This organization advocates for soil health and conservation in Washington through education about best practices in preventing soil erosion and enhancing soil health
USDA resources for farmers including best practices, principles of soil health, and service center locations
Washington's National Resource Conservation Service soil health home page
WSU Wheat and Small Grains extension center and resources
This Cover Crop Selection Tool for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is intended as a guide to help growers and conservation planners select cover crop species adapted to their climate, soils, and the purposes of the cover crop.
David Brandt has been farming 1150 acres with no till and cover crops since 1971. He has participated in yield plots for corn, soybeans, and wheat and has been a case study for seed growers, county agents, and universities to encourage other farmers to adapt no-till practices. He has also been planting various blends of cover crops to find out what benefits they provide to improve soil health. Below is a link to his youtube lectures.
SmartMix calculator creates a custom cover crop mix that’s just right for your field. With easy-to-use educational resources, it can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your selections and craft a mix that will serve you well.
Gabe Brown is one of the pioneers of the current soil health movement which focuses on the regeneration of our resources. Gabe, along with his wife Shelly, and son Paul, own and operate Brown's Ranch, a. diversified 5,000 acre farm and ranch near Bismarck, North Dakota. Below is a link to his youtube lectures.
Hosted by Palouse Conservation District, the Palouse Alternative Cropping Symposium is an annual event of farmer-to-farmer presentations with a strong focus on networking because conversations are key. Growers from throughout the Palouse region will share practical experiences with other growers.
Hosted by Palouse Conservation District, the Soil Health Sit Down is a virtual conversation with producers, industry professionals, and researchers about soil health. This producer-driven event encourages dialogue surrounding cover crops, companion crops, and alternative cropping systems on the Palouse.