4 THE SOIL

Above (l to r clockwise): Ira Wallace / Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Anne Geyer/ AgriBerry Farm & CSA,
Amy Hicks/ Amy’s Organic Garden, Mike Phillips /Valley View Farms

Virginia's health & farming future depends on healthy soil.

Soil is a living and life-giving natural resource.

As world population and food production demands rise, keeping our soil healthy and productive is critical. We must ensure that our soil resources are stable and sustainable to feed future generations.

Follow the 4 Core Principles of Soil Health Management

1. Keep Soil Covered

It’s the first step in protecting it from erosion, but also buffers soil temperature, slows rainfall runoff, and aids rainfall infiltration.

2. Minimize Soil Disturbance

Both physical and chemical. This proactive measure can heal and protect properties of the soil and ultimately enhance the biological component of soil life.

3. Maximize Living Roots

Doing this longer throughout the year fuels biological activity, aids nutrient cycling, and contributes to improved soil structure.

4. Energize with Diversity

Use different crop species and integrate livestock where possible for specific purposes to enhance chemical, physical and/ or biological aspects of the soil. It improves the whole system.