healthy, productive soils 

checklist for growers

www.nrcs.usda.gov

Managing for soil health is one of the best ways farmers can 

increase crop productivity while improving the environment.

Results are often realized immediately and last well into the future. Following 

are four basic principles to improving the health of your soil.

1. Minimize disturbance

2. Maximize soil cover

3. Maximize biodiversity

4. Maximize presence of living roots

Use the checklist on the back of this page to determine if you’re using core Soil 

Health Management System farming practices. It is important to note that not all 

practices are applicable to all crops. Some operations will benefit from just one soil 

health practice while others may require additional practices for maximum benefit.

These core practices form the basis of a Soil Health Management System that can 

help you optimize your inputs, protect against drought, and increase production.

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

March 2017
Soil Health Management Systems Include:

What is it? What does it do? How does it help?

Conservation 

Crop Rotation

Growing a diverse number of 

crops in a planned sequence 

to increase soil organic matter 

and biodiversity in the soil.

•	 Increases nutrient cycling

•	 Manages plant pests (weeds,

insects, and diseases)

•	 Reduces sheet, rill

and wind erosion

•	 Holds soil moisture

•	 Adds diversity so soil

microbes can thrive

•	 Improves nutrient use efficiency

•	 Decreases use of pesticides

•	 Improves water quality

•	 Conserves water

•	 Improves plant production

Cover Crop

An un-harvested crop grown as 

part of planned rotation to provide 

conservation benefits to the soil.

•	 Increases soil organic matter

•	 Prevents soil erosion

•	 Conserves soil moisture

•	 Increases nutrient cycling

•	 Provides nitrogen for plant use

•	 Suppresses weeds

•	 Reduces compaction

•	 Improves crop production

•	 Improves water quality

•	 Conserves water

•	 Improves nutrient use efficiency

•	 Decreases use of pesticides

•	 Improves water efficiency to crops

No Till

A way of growing crops without 

disturbing the soil through tillage.

•	 Improves water holding

capacity of soil

•	 Increases organic matter

•	 Reduces soil erosion

•	 Reduces energy use

•	 Decreases compaction

•	 Improves water efficiency

•	 Conserves water

•	 Improves crop production

•	 Improves water quality

•	 Saves renewable resources

•	 Improves air quality

•	 Increases productivity

Mulch Tillage

Using tillage methods where 

the soil surface is disturbed 

but maintains a high level of 

crop residue on the surface.

•	 Reduces soil erosion

from wind and rain

•	 Increases soil moisture for plants

•	 Reduces energy use

•	 Increases soil organic matter

•	 Improves water quality

•	 Conserves water

•	 Saves renewable resources

•	 Improves air quality

•	 Improves crop production

Mulching

Applying plant residues or other 

suitable materials to the soil 

surface to compensate for loss of 

residue due to excessive tillage.

•	 Reduces erosion from

wind and rain

•	 Moderates soil temperatures

•	 Increases soil organic matter

•	 Controls weeds

•	 Conserves soil moisture

•	 Reduces dust

•	 Improves water quality

•	 Improves plant productivity

•	 Increases crop production

•	 Reduces pesticide usage

•	 Conserves water

•	 Improves air quality

Nutrient Management

Managing soil nutrients to meet crop 

needs while minimizing the impact 

on the environment and the soil.

•	 Increases plant nutrient uptake

•	 Improves the physical,

chemical and biological

properties of the soil

•	 Budgets, supplies, and conserves

nutrients for plant production

•	 Reduces odors and

nitrogen emissions

•	 Improves water quality

•	 Improves plant production

•	 Improves air quality

Pest Management

Managing pests by following an 

ecological approach that promotes 

the growth of healthy plants with 

strong defenses, while increasing 

stress on pests and enhancing the 

habitat for beneficial organisms.

•	 Reduces pesticide risks

to water quality

•	 Reduces threat of chemicals

entering the air

•	 Decreases pesticide risk

to pollinators and other

beneficial organisms

•	 Increases soil organic matter

•	 Improves water quality

•	 Improves air quality

•	 Increases plant pollination

•	 Increases plant productivity

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture