Op-Ed: Indiana's Call to Measure, Monitor and Manage Our Precious Soils
December 5 is World Soils Day!
As Indiana's farmers and forest landowners look to the future, one thing remains clear: healthy soils are the
foundation of sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems and thriving rural communities. On December 5, we join the global community in celebrating World Soils Day, a time to recognize the vital role soils play in feeding our planet and protecting our environment.
This year's theme, “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage," highlights the essential steps for effective soil stewardship. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is proud to work alongside Indiana’s farmers, providing the tools, expertise and partnerships needed to understand and care for our soils.
Accurate soil data is the cornerstone of sustainable land management. Through tools like the Web Soil Survey and Soil Health Assessment protocols, NRCS empowers producers with detailed insights into soil properties, fertility and health. This data helps guide decisions that balance productivity with long-term sustainability.
For Indiana’s diverse landscapes—from our fertile croplands to our forested hills—knowing the unique characteristics of each soil type is crucial. Our work in measuring soil quality helps farmers optimize inputs, conserve resources, and increase yields while protecting the environment.
Healthy soils don't happen by accident. Monitoring soil conditions over time ensures that we can track changes, address challenges and celebrate successes. Whether it’s evaluating erosion risks, tracking organic matter levels, or monitoring nutrient runoff, NRCS partners with producers to maintain a pulse on soil health.
Indiana farmers who adopt soil conservation practices like cover crops, reduced tillage and rotational grazing play a crucial role in this effort. Their dedication to monitoring ensures soils remain productive and resilient for generations to come.
Management is where the science of soil meets the art of farming. Armed with accurate data and ongoing monitoring, Indiana’s producers can implement practices that enhance soil health, improve water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
NRCS programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program provide financial and technical support for implementing these practices. From improving drainage systems to planting pollinator habitats, these initiatives demonstrate how proactive soil management benefits both farms and the broader community.
As stewards of Indiana’s soils, NRCS and farmers share a responsibility to protect and enhance this invaluable resource. By working together to measure, monitor and manage our soils, we can ensure a productive and sustainable future for Indiana agriculture and beyond.
On World Soils Day, let us commit to caring for the ground beneath our feet. It sustains us, connects us and reminds us that good stewardship today will pave the way for a better tomorrow.
For more information on how NRCS can support your soil health journey, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local NRCS office. Together, we can keep Indiana’s soils healthy, resilient and productive for generations to come.
About NRCS:
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helps America’s farmers conserve the nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment. To learn more about NRCS and what we do go visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/Indiana. Follow us on https://twitter.com/IndianaNRCS.