Soil Testing & Stability
Understanding your soil to grow better crops and pastures
There’s a lot your soil can tell you. Healthy crops and productive pastures start with balanced soil nutrients, proper pH levels, and good organic matter content. Conservation districts offer soil testing services that help land stewards determine nutrient levels, identify deficiencies, and create tailored soil management plans.
- Test your soil regularly: Conduct soil tests in spring to guide your planting and nutrient management.
- Use organic matter: Add compost or cover crops to improve soil structure and fertility.
Apply fertilizers wisely: Use test results to guide fertilizer application, avoiding excess that can pollute waterways.
Explore Conservation Resources
This resource offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to teach high school students about soil science through ten engaging lessons. Each lesson includes activities, follow-up projects, and journal worksheets, all aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, to enhance students' understanding of soil's critical role in our ecosystem.
WSU’s Hedgerows and Farmscaping program provides guidance on designing and implementing hedgerows to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and support pollinators. It offers resources for farmers and land managers to integrate these features into agricultural landscapes for ecological and economic benefits.
This resource offers educational materials and tools designed to teach students about soil properties, formation, and conservation, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of soil's role in the environment.
This resource provides comprehensive information on the principles of soil health, including the benefits of healthy soil, management practices to enhance soil function, and the role of soil biology in agricultural productivity.
This guide offers educators a structured approach to teaching soil health concepts, including lesson plans, activities, and resources to effectively convey the importance of maintaining and improving soil health in various ecosystems.
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