Soils

Healthy soils yield healthy crops, to paraphrase Robert Rodale founder of the organic movement. But what is healthy soil and how do we achieve it?

Start Farming's introductory factsheet about managing soils. Learn the basics of tillage dos and don'ts, cover crops, and nutrient management in this succinct, 8-page guide.

Composting and compost provide numerous opportunities for farmers to improve their production systems. Potential income either directly from tipping fees or selling surplus compost, or indirectly from increased production supported by compost-improved soil. Here we share the benefits and drawbacks of 4 compost production methods, as well as 6 straightforward tips for using compost.

Have you recently purchased a property or are you looking for some land to start your farm business? There are many things to consider before you plant your first crop or fence post. One of the most important things to do is to check the soil map before you do anything to ensure you are planting a crop that is appropriate for the soil type you have. The area on the property that is dry now many not be so dry come next March when the snow melts and we are left with mud, imagine that mud, almost nonexistent this year. The Web Soil Survey is the best way to determine soil drainage, depth to bedrock, crop productivity classes and so much more.