Grow With It
Growing with Soil Health Management Systems is one of the most effective ways for farmers to increase crop productivity and profitability while improving the environment. Results are often realized immediately, and last well into the future. The resources on this page will help you understand what conservation core practices are part of an effective Soil Health Management System – and how to get the help you need to “Unlock the Secrets in the Soil.”
Profiles in Soil Health
Learn more about some of our nation’s farmers who are using soil health management systems to make their farms more profitable, productive and sustainable
By growing a diverse range of crops and applying a no-till system, this Montana farmer has made the soils more productive while decreasing farming expenses. Read more about how he does it.
Nine years ago, Dirk O’Connor switched to zero-till farming in order to save time, improve soil health and produce forage for their cattle. Read more about his results.
No-till and strip till, combined with cover crops and crop rotations that keep the soil covered year-round, are keys to building and keeping soil healthy for this New Mexico farmer. Read more about his approach to farming.
Mike Zook’s continuous crop of diverse plants cover the soil year-round. Learn how he manages success in a 14-inch precipitation zone.
Cover Crop Plant Guides
Click here to access NRCS’ plant guides that describe the characteristics of some commonly used cover crops. They provide assistance in selecting appropriate cover crops, when and how to plant and when to terminate or incorporate the plant into the soil.
