By Rebecca Harvey, PhD
As the fall season settles in, soil labs across the United States have observed a concerning trend: the expected surge of fertility samples is notably absent. The root cause? Dry conditions have made it increasingly difficult to collect samples. A predominantly dry pattern has persisted over the Central US since summer, leaving many to wonder if this sampling challenge is a seasonal anomaly or if it is highlighting a deeper issue within our soils?
Climate Changes Shining a Light on Soil Health
While the immediate culprit appears to be the dry weather, this situation is also shining a light on the overall health of our soils. Soil health is defined as the capacity of soil to function as a living ecosystem, providing essential benefits to agricultural systems, including supporting the hydrological cycle. Healthy soils boast a diverse and active microbiome that helps build soil structure by forming aggregates of sand, silt, and clay.
These aggregates create open pores in the soil, allowing air and water to flow freely. They also enable roots to penetrate deeply, fostering a habitat for vital soil microbes. Conversely, during periods of drought, poorly aggregated soils tend to dry out, causing soil particles to come closer together. This results in smaller pores, compaction, and even crusting at the surface, making it challenging for both soil probes and plant roots to penetrate the ground effectively.
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The Consequences of Poor Soil Structure
The ramifications of compacted soils extend beyond sampling challenges. When rain does arrive, poorly aggregated soils struggle to absorb water efficiently, leading to surface runoff that carries soil and nutrients away from the field. This not only diminishes the soil’s fertility but also increases the risk of ponding, further exacerbating the challenges farmers face in managing their land.
In contrast, well-aggregated soils maintain their structural integrity during dry spells, retaining moisture more effectively—even capturing water from morning dew. Plants grown in healthy soils develop deeper root systems, allowing them to access water reserves that shallow-rooted plants cannot reach. This resilience is essential in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Building Resilience Through Soil Health Management
As extreme weather conditions become the norm, prioritizing soil health is crucial for fostering a more resilient agricultural system. Now is the perfect time to consider management practices that enhance soil health.
Start By Testing Your Soil
If conditions permit, start by getting your soil tested to establish a baseline. Work with your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office to explore options for reimbursement for soil health testing, as well as access to financial and technical support for implementing necessary management changes. Choose a reputable lab that can provide meaningful soil health metrics and take the time to understand these results fully.
Setting Realistic Expectations
It’s important to set realistic expectations as you embark on this journey. Depending on your starting conditions, it may take an entire growing season—or even longer—before you see measurable improvements in your soil health metrics. However, trust that the efforts you invest today will yield benefits for generations to come.
By prioritizing soil health, you’re not just protecting your current investments—you’re laying the foundation for a sustainable future in agriculture.
As we navigate the challenges posed by dry conditions and extreme weather, let’s not forget the vital role that soil health plays in our agricultural systems. Embracing practices that build and maintain healthy soils will create a more resilient farming landscape, ready to thrive in the face of change.
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