Maximize Living Roots
Keeping plants growing for as much of the year as possible fuels biological activity, aids in nutrient cycling, and contributes to improved soil structure.
The addition of trees or shrubs that produce crops planted in single or multiple rows with agronomic, horticultural crops or forages grown in the alleys between.
This practice is also used for: Energize with Biodiversity
Establishing and maintaining permanent vegetative cover
This practice is also used for: Keep Soil Covered
Planting orchards, vineyards, or other perennial crops so that all cultural operations are done on or near the contour.
This practice is also used for: Minimize Disturbance
Non-cash crops including grasses, legumes, and forbes grown for seasonal cover and other conservation purposes, such as increasing organic matter, reducing weeds, and managing pest and disease, etc.
This practice is also used for: Energize with Biodiversity, Keep Soil Covered
Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have, or are expected to have, high erosion rates, and on sites that have physical, chemical or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of vegetation with normal practices.
This practice is also used for: Minimize Disturbance
Growing crops of different species in a planned sequence on the same field.
This practice is also used for: Energize with Biodiversity, Keep Soil Covered
Establishing adapted and/or compatible species, varieties, or cultivars of herbaceous species suitable for pasture, hay, or biomass production.
This practice is also used for: Minimize Disturbance, Integrate Livestock Where Possible
Managing stands of trees or shrubs as an overstory with an understory of woody and/or non-woody plants that are grown for a variety of products.
This practice is also used for: Energize with Biodiversity, Keep Soil Covered
Establishing trees and/or shrubs with compatible forages on the same acreage.
This practice is also used for: Minimize Disturbance, Energize with Biodiversity, Keep Soil Covered, Integrate Livestock Where Possible
Establishing woody plants by planting seedlings or cuttings, direct seeding, or natural regeneration.
This practice is also used for: Energize with Biodiversity
HOW do farmers join the Million Acre Challenge?
Filling out a self-assessment survey enrolls farmers in the challenge and gives them access to tools to track their progress toward healthy soils knowledge and management.
Tiers of Regeneration
Soil Health Hubs
Farmer Stories