Keep Soil Covered
Leaving crop residue on the surface, or applying organic materials such as leaves or straw, helps protect the soil from erosion, buffers soil temperature, slows runoff from rainfall, and aids both water infiltration and moisture retention.
Addition of composted organic materials, processed using recommended guidelines for temperature, C:N ratio and storage, for use as a fertilizer amendment and/or to improve soil structure.
This practice is also used for: Energize with Biodiversity
Establishing and maintaining permanent vegetative cover.
This practice is also used for: Maximize Living Roots
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: Maximize Living Roots, Energize with Biodiversity
Growing crops of different species in a planned sequence on the same field.
This practice is also used for: Maximize Living Roots, Energize with Biodiversity
Use of materials (wood chips, straw, etc.) to cover and insulate the soil beneath trees, crops, and in pathways.
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: Maximizing Living Roots, Energize with Biodiversity
Use of no-till equipment or other methods (e.g. permanent bed culture) to limit soil disturbing activity when growing crops.
This practice is also used for: Minimize Disturbance
Reduction in the depth and frequency of soil disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops, or for land management.
This practice is also used for: Minimize Disturbance
Establishing trees and/or shrubs with compatible forages on the same acreage.
This practice is also used for: Minimize Disturbance, Maximize Living Roots, Energize with Biodiversity, Integrate Livestock Where Possible
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