Soil Health Resources

Soil is vital to all life. Healthy soil sustains living ecosystems and organisms. Soil health is the foundation to healthy ecosystems and successful agriculture. Five essential functions of soil are regulating water, sustaining plant and animal life, filtering and buffering potential pollutants, cycling nutrients, and providing physical stability and support. In the Grand Valley, soils are shaped by Mancos Shale and alluvial deposits, creating a mix of fertile terraces and areas challenged by salinity, alkalinity, and variable drainage. These unique properties make careful management of irrigation, organic matter, and nutrient inputs especially important for sustaining agriculture and natural habitats. Explore the links below to learn more about the importance of soil health and how to best protect and enhance soil health.