Monday morning my body woke up at 4 a.m. That’s normal for some people, but not for me. However, it was normal for me to wake up between 2-4 a.m. every Monday morning when I hadn’t finished my column on a Sunday night to get it completed in time for newspapers 😊

The past week was a whirlwind. I had wanted to finish well at UNL and last week included completing previously made commitments; will still finish harvest and reports with all my on-farm research cooperators. I’ve enjoyed being on the farm with Brian! And, I’m working some part-time hours as a Producer Research Lead for the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition, which closely aligns with both Brian and my goals in walking alongside others in their soil health journeys.

Since that is one goal Brian and I have, let’s talk about soil health. Defining soil health is difficult as there’s not an agreed upon definition. Soil is comprised of chemical, physical, and biological properties. The health part is the ability (continued capacity) to function as a vital living ecosystem sustaining plants, animals, and humans over time (via NRCS and numerous universities).

Six general soil health principles were adopted over time and are in continual revision by various entities:

• Minimizing Disturbance (reducing tillage, reducing chemical inputs)
• Keep the Soil Covered (protecting the soil with crop residue and/or cover crops)
• Maximize Biodiversity (diverse crop rotations, multi-species cover crops, diverse biology)
• Keep a Living Root Year-Round (active plant roots in the soil as long as possible)
• Integrate Livestock (add grazing animals where appropriate to the land to cycle nutrients and manage residues)
• Know Your Context (management is tailored to one’s specific climate, soil type, goals)

I think this is where soil health gets overwhelming to some as the principles can seem like a checklist and one’s Context trumps everything. That’s why I’ve referred to soil health as a journey.

We are all on journeys in life…physical, emotional/mental, spiritual, learning, etc. The start/beginning and destination are both important parts of a journey. However, it’s the time between the two where things happen. We change. We learn, grow, fail, succeed.

I think of life as interconnected with plants, humans, and animals. The soil sustains life for all of us. At a fundamental level, I think many seeking soil health journeys believe that healthy soil can lead to healthier plants, animals, and people.

I’ve watched how ag can quickly divide instead of unite. As I think of soil health, there can be a stigma that a person has to farm a certain way to be included. To me, there’s room at the table for all, and I don’t see soil health tied to a specific farming label.

There’s room to start with one thing. What is your concern? What is your goal?

• Those concerned about groundwater nitrate for future generations can start by reducing the amount of nitrogen applied. Using a tool like Sentinel Ag can help.
• Those concerned about soil erosion may consider reducing tillage or adding a cover crop in the off season.
• Those concerned about excess residue can work with a neighbor to graze livestock.

What one thing could be the next step to address a concern or goal in your soil health journey?