By Jamie Martin
Resilient farms often begin with healthy soil. Soil that is rich in organic matter and well managed can help farms handle difficult conditions such as drought, extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and rising production costs. Many farmers are now turning to regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil performance and long-term sustainability.
One South Dakota farm provides a clear example of how soil health practices can transform land over time. The farmer began exploring regenerative practices after learning about no till research conducted at a regional agricultural research farm. After studying the results and receiving guidance from researchers, he adopted a no- till production system in the early 1990s.
Over the years, additional soil health principles were added to the farming operation. Crop residue is left on the field to protect the soil surface and reduce erosion. Crop diversity has increased with more than thirty different crops grown over time. Cover crops keep living roots in the soil between main crop seasons, while livestock grazing is used to cycle nutrients and improve soil activity.
These long-term practices have significantly improved soil quality. Organic matter levels increased from slightly above one percent to around four percent. Higher organic matter allows soil to hold more water, which helps crops during dry conditions. Each one percent increase in organic matter can help soil store approximately 20,000 gallons of water per acre.
Better soil health has also reduced fertilizer needs. Nutrient applications have been lowered without harming crop yields. Rainfall now infiltrates into the soil rather than running off the fields, helping recharge the soil profile and protect water resources.
Even during recent dry years with below normal rainfall, most crops on the farm continued to produce average yields. This demonstrates how regenerative practices can strengthen farm resilience.
“I think regenerative ag practices serve multiple purposes, and one of those is to be more resilient in the face of extreme weather,” said Laura Edwards, South Dakota State University Extension State Climatologist. “I tell people we don’t need to invent a new toolbox to survive a changing climate. We already have that toolbox with regenerative agriculture or soil health practices.”
Agricultural experts say practices such as no till farming, crop diversity, cover crops, and livestock integration can help farms adapt to extreme weather conditions. By improving soil health, farmers can protect productivity, conserve resources, and build stronger agricultural systems for the future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: National