Dirt Matters: Understanding and Enhancing Soil Microbial Diversity

By Katie Nelson, Field Program Representative

Throughout our diverse agricultural landscapes, soil health is fundamental for productivity and sustainability. Beneath the surface, a variety of organisms, from microbes to fungi, collaborate to nourish and structure the soil. The world of soil health is intricate, but in this article, the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund aims to highlight key aspects of the pivotal role microbial diversity plays in fostering resilient agricultural ecosystems.

Reducing Tillage: The Key to Soil Health

A fundamental shift in agricultural practices lies in reducing the frequency and intensity of tillage. By allowing soil to thrive undisturbed, we unlock the full potential of microbial activity, vital for nutrient cycling and soil structure formation.

Since microbes thrive in a less disturbed environment, they can effectively break down organic matter, releasing essential nutrients for plant uptake. Additionally, undisturbed soil is better able to form stable aggregates, which contribute to improved water infiltration, root penetration, and overall soil stability.

Plants: The Foundation of the Soil Food Web

Live plants serve as the cornerstone, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem beneath the surface. Through their root systems and above-ground biomass, plants provide essential nutrients, organic matter, and habitat for a variety of soil organisms. As plants interact with soil microorganisms, they engage in a symbiotic relationship, exchanging nutrients and energy in a dynamic cycle of growth and decay. Increased plant diversity and prolonged growth duration further enhance soil health.

Diverse Crop Rotation

Diversity in crop rotation brings a variety of benefits, from enhanced nutrient cycling to improved soil structure. By diversifying crop rotations, farmers can optimize soil health and productivity while minimizing the risk of pest and disease buildup. Integrating cover crops into rotation plans further enhances these benefits by reducing fallow periods and promoting continuous soil property development. Cover crops not only protect the soil from erosion and compaction but also nourish soil microbes.

Adding Organic Matter:

By incorporating last year's residue into the soil and leaving roots intact, farmers can significantly enhance soil health and fertility. This approach enriches the soil with organic matter, providing essential nutrients and energy sources for soil microbes. As these microbes break down organic materials, they release nutrients that are vital for plant growth and overall soil health. Additionally, increasing organic matter content improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling.

Manure Application:

Applying manure strategically can be a valuable practice to enrich the soil with essential nutrients necessary for microbial growth and overall soil health. However, the economic feasibility of this practice should be carefully considered based on individual farm operations. When implemented effectively, manure application serves as an additional food source for beneficial soil organisms. Farmers should assess the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of manure application to determine its suitability within their farming practices, aiming to optimize soil health and productivity while minimizing adverse effects.

Long-Term Benefits of Sustainable Practices:

Embracing sustainable practices in agriculture offers invaluable long-term benefits that extend far beyond immediate gains. By minimizing soil erosion, enhancing soil structure, and promoting the formation of healthy soil aggregates, these practices lay a solid foundation for enduring agricultural success. This underscores the critical importance of prioritizing soil health in agricultural management decisions.

Monitoring Progress: Earthworms and Microbial Activity:

Tracking the presence of earthworms and observing visible soil structure development serve as reliable indicators of soil health progress. These natural cues offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of sustainable practices implemented on the farm.

Water Management:

Optimal water management is essential for preserving soil health and optimizing agricultural productivity. After rainfall events, farmers can assess field conditions to gauge drainage efficiency and address any concerns about excess moisture. Preserving micropores within the soil structure is vital for enhancing water infiltration and retention, contributing to improved soil health and crop resilience.

Conclusion: Trust the Process:

In closing, nurturing soil health requires patience, commitment, and trust in data-driven practices. Embracing holistic approaches to soil management highlights the interconnectedness of sustainable practices, paving the way for a healthier and more productive agricultural landscape. As stewards of the land, let's strive to nurture our soils, preserving their legacy for generations to come.

Are you looking to adopt or expand conservation practices on your operations? The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund is here to help you get started with financial incentives and agronomic support. Program enrollment is now open for 2024. Send an email to contactus@theoutcomesfund.com and we’ll get you in touch with your local field program representative.

Katie Nelson
Field Program Rep.

In her role as field program representative, Katie provides enrollment assistance and agronomic support to SWOF farmers and recruiters in the Red River Valley region. She attended North Dakota State University and received a bachelor’s degree in crop and weed science and a master’s in plant pathology.

Katie was raised on a farm in Kenmare, North Dakota that grows primarily wheat, field pea, canola, flax, soybean, and sunflower. She enjoys spending her time outdoors, traveling, and being with family and friends.

Sources:

Gasch, Caley and DeJong-Hughes, Jodi. "Soil Organic Matter Does Matter." NDSU Extension. Accessed January 17, 2024. www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/

Woodyard, Jennifer, and Eileen Kladivko. "Four Strategies to Improve Your Field’s Soil Health." Purdue Extension. Accessed January 17, 2024. www.extension.purdue.edu

Quinn, Lauren. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "Illinois study shows universally positive effect of cover crops on soil microbiome." College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Accessed January 18, 2024. https://aces.illinois.edu/news/illinois-study-shows-universally-positive-effect-cover-crops-soil-microbiome

ScienceDirect. "Do cover crops benefit soil microbiome? A meta-analysis of current research." Accessed January 18, 2024. www.sciencedirect.com

University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture. "No-Till and Reduced Soil Disturbance." University of Missouri. Accessed January 17, 2024. https://cra.missouri.edu/topics/no-till-and-reduced-soil-disturbance/

"Soil Health Minute: Evaluating Soil Health." YouTube, uploaded by NDSU Soil Health, 2017. www.youtube.com