Space Force Activates SPACEFOR-SOUTH at Davis-Monthan AFB

By Eddy Alexandre

As farming faces new challenges from the economy and climate, soil health is key to successful regenerative agriculture. Soil is a complex mixture made up of organic materials, water, air, living organisms, and minerals. Having healthy soil is critical for sustainable farming because it has a direct impact on almost everything. It affects crop yield, nutrient availability, ecosystem resilience, and overall farm productivity. 

Soil health refers to soil’s ability to keep plants growing strong, support wildlife, recycle nutrients, clean water, store carbon, and remain productive for farming. Factors that impact soil health include soil texture and the parent rock material it came from, weather, farming practices, and climate. When nutrients remain balanced and pH levels stay in check, especially with the addition of organic matter, soil becomes healthier. Healthy soil helps control plant diseases, withstand changing weather, and keep farms productive while protecting the environment. 

Agriculture continues to change, and the innovations we develop, along with new technologies, will shape how we grow food in the future. Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable farming. As the climate changes, resources become scarcer, and market pressures increase, focusing on soil health becomes even more important. By using regenerative practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and composting, farmers can build stronger farming systems for 2026. These practices help improve soil quality, increase crop production, decrease the use of chemicals, and make farms more resilient to changing weather. By investing in soil health today, farmers can protect their land, support the environment, and ensure long-term success. 

One way we can boost soil health in 2026 is through cover cropping. Cover cropping is when farmers plant non-harvested crops between main crop cycles primarily to improve soil health and fertility rather than to harvestthem. Plants such as rye, brassicas, legumes, clover, peas, or beans are often used between main crop cycles. These crops are typically planted after harvest or before the next planting season. Cover crops help reduce erosion, improve soil structure, manage moisture, and suppress weed and pest populations. Crops such as legumes and clovers also help fix nitrogen and move nutrients through the soil more efficiently. This improves soil health and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. 

 

Another important practice is the use of organic matter. Adding compost and other organic materials or plant waste helps revive soil microbes, improve soil structure, and speed up nutrient cycling. Returning organic matter to the soil reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, stores carbon in the soil, and helps soils better handle potential droughts or floods. This process builds soil organic matter and improves crop yields. 

Ways to add organic matter to soil include: 
Compost: Add nutrient-rich compost from kitchen scraps or yard waste to boost soil fertility. 
Worm Castings: Mix in worm castings, which are full of nutrients and beneficial microbes. 
Mulch: Spread organic mulch like straw or wood chips to keep soil moist and improve its structure. 
Green Manure: Grow cover crops and till them into the soil to add nutrients and organic matter. 
Biochar: Use biochar to improve soil aeration, increase water retention, and provide a habitat for beneficial microbes.