How to improve soil health and conservation

The Québec government’s Sustainable Agriculture Plan aims to improve soil health and conservation.

Specifically, by 2030, 75 % of cultivated farmland should be covered by crops or crop residue in the winter, and 85 % of agricultural soils should contain at least 4 % organic matter.

Why? Because, according to the plan, crops and crop residue left on the surface to cover soil during winter act as a protective physical barrier.

And organic matter helps plants grow. It also plays a key role in achieving the goal of sustainable agriculture.

Improving soil health and conservation therefore has multiple benefits, including:

• Combating climate change

• Improving water quality

• Optimizing water management

• Reducing pesticide use and the associated health and environmental risks

• Improving fertilizer management

• Promoting biodiversity

Achieving this goal will require reducing tillage intensity, increasing the use of cover crops, and optimizing crop rotations. Here are three ways you can improve soil health on your farm.

Cover crops

Cover crops reduce water and wind erosion, feed microorganisms, recycle plant nutrients, and keep roots alive longer into the season, all of which means healthier soil.

Direct seeding

Residue left on the surface from direct seeding forms a physical barrier against erosion. Less tillage also means more carbon capture.

Perennial plants in rotations

Perennial forage plants have a beneficial effect on organic matter in the soil. Including these perennial crops in rotations contributes to soil health and conservation.