Soil Health Programming
What is Soil Health & why does it matter?
Good soil health is vital to the productivity of all living things.
Soil health is the capacity or ability of soil to function as a living ecosystem and sustain plants, animals, and humans. Good soil health benefits include productive agriculture, nutrient availability, healthy root growth, soil aeration, water use efficiency, wildlife habitat, clean air and water, and more! Poor soil health risks include soil erosion, decreased soil fertility, inefficient water use, soil compaction, loss of biodiversity, loss of wildlife habitats, disruption of the soil food web, and loss of productivity and money!
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Learn More About Soil Health Resources
Soil Health is focused on five principles:
Soil armor;
Minimizing soil disturbance;
Plant diversity;
Continual live plant/root; and
Livestock integration
The Colorado Department of Agriculture partners with conservation districts and local eligible entities to provide financial and technical assistance to producers.
Benefits to Producers
Supports wildlife and vegetation
Clean air and water
Cycles nutrients
Provides physical stability and support
Healthy soils absorb and retain more water, making them less susceptible to runoff and erosion, and protecting against flooding
Healthier crops/ plants
Increased efficiency and more money!
