Nationwide Study - Healthy Soil Ups Farm Incomes

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: 

• An average increase in farm income by $65/acre after employing SHMS. 

• Cost-saving benefits like $14/acre for corn production and $7/acre for soybean. 

• SHMS brought about yield enhancements for a significant percentage of farms. 

• Farmers reported perks like diminished soil compaction and better field access during wet seasons. 

Terry Cosby, Chief of NRCS, underscored the larger picture, "The feedback from diverse farmers underlines the universal appeal and relevance of SHMS, vital for US agriculture's sustenance." To propel the adoption of SHMS, various educational materials have been crafted, aiming to enlighten the farming community.