Improving Soil Health

Good Practices From the Ground Up

Soil plays a vital role in agriculture, environmental resilience, and biodiversity. Healthy soil regulates water, supports plant roots, cycles nutrients, and filters pollutants. It’s also a key player in climate adaptation, helping to absorb and retain moisture during droughts and heavy rainfall. Yet, soil degradation and loss are pressing global issues.

“Soil health is crucial because it’s the baseline of our agricultural systems,” says Amelia Magistrali, UConn Extension’s associate educator in soil health. “Globally, we’re facing catastrophic soil loss. In Connecticut, we have diverse soils, and their management varies greatly.”

Soil health is defined as the soil’s ability to sustain plants, animals, and humans through clean air and water, productive crops, and biodiversity. Magistrali’s program takes a systems approach, focusing on issues like high organic matter systems and decision-making tools for cover cropping. She is also addressing gaps in information for urban and rural soils while collaborating with UConn Extension and partners like the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“Climate change and resilience are huge themes for farmers. We’re seeing more research and technology, like aerial imagery from drones, that can help assess soil health.” Magistrali explains.

Magistrali emphasizes that soil management strategies vary based on soil type, location, and individual goals. She advises farmers and gardeners to start with a soil test through the UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory to establish a baseline for nutrients. From there, management practices like applying fertilizers, using mulch, or composting can help maintain healthy soils.

Signs of soil health issues include water runoff, ponding, or excessively dry soil. Regular observation and occasional testing can help address these challenges. Magistrali also encourages starting small: “Focus on areas of interest, like composting or reducing erosion. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and keep learning.”

UConn Extension continues to prioritize climate-smart and resilient farming while supporting Connecticut residents and farmers with tools and strategies to manage soil health effectively. Managing for healthy soils not only benefits agriculture but also helps protect our environment for future generations.

Learn more at s.uconn.edu/agriculture.