• American farmers and ranchers play a large part in conserving and maintaining healthy soils on their land.

• Soil erosion is one of the greatest challenges for sustainable soil management.

  • According to some reports, between the late 1800s and 1930 more than one hundred million acres of land in the Plains were plowed. Shortly after, soil erosion was recognized as a national epidemic and a national emergency.

  • NRCS was born during the Dust Bowl out of the need to stop soil erosion. Since then, programs have expanded to conserve and improve many natural resources. 

• NRCS is working hand-in-hand with producers to improve the health and function of their soil.

• Many producers have adapted soil health principles and systems including no-till, cover cropping and diverse rotations in order to increase their soil’s organic matter and improve microbial activity.

• As a result, farmers are sequestering more carbon, increasing water infiltration, improving wildlife and pollinator habitat – all while harvesting better profits and often better yields.

• Producers who want to improve soil health on their operation should reach out to their local NRCS field office.

• Our employees can help you develop a conservation plan that is tailored to your operation.

• NRCS provides technical and financial assistance programs and services to help producers.

• Soil Facts:

  • Earthworm populations consume 2 tons of dry matter per acre per year, partly digesting and mixing it to form healthy soil.

• Healthy soil is key to feeding 9 billion people by 2050.

• Healthy soil is made of about 45 percent minerals, 25 percent water, 5 percent organic matter and 25 percent air.

• One teaspoon of healthy soil contains 100 million-1 billion individual bacteria.

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