• Improve plant health and crop yields*

    Soil organic matter suppresses disease organisms and increases plant nutrient availability and uptake.

  • Increase water retention and infiltration*

    Healthy soil can hold up to 20 times its weight in water. Increasing solid organic matter 1% can increase soil available water holding capacity by 3.7%.

  • Prevent erosion and reduce sediment and dust*

    Soil organic matter helps build soil aggregate stability and structure and make it more resistant to wind or water erosion.

  • Sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions*

    Soils contain approximately 75% of the carbon pool on land-three times more than the amount stored in living plants and animals.

  • Improve water quality*

    Increasing soil organic matter increases infiltration and biological activity that make soil a more effective filter.

  • Improve biological diversity and wildlife habitat*

    At least a quarter of the world's biodiversity lives in the soil; healthy soils improve habitats and other natural resources.

    *Source: CDFA Healthy Soil Initiative

Funding is available for our Farmers!

Funding for improving soil health is available on both the state and federal level.
Click the links below to find out more.

Healthy Soils Program (HSP)

The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) provides financial incentives for implementation and/or demonstration of on-farm conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn More

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) provides financial as well as technical assistance for development and implementation of conservation plans through the Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Learn More