Ongoing Studies
Soil Health Benchmark Study
The ongoing study, which began in 2016, is one of the largest and most diverse community soil health research projects in the nation.
Economic Case Studies
Quantifying Economic and Environmental Benefits of Soil Health
Soil Health Benchmark Study
Building and preserving soil health is a fundamental component of a secure food system that effectively protects ecosystems and communities.
The Pasa Soil Health Benchmark Study is designed to help farmers monitor and evaluate the nuanced soil health strengths and challenges that can exist simultaneously within their fields. This on-farm research project, developed and led by Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, empowers farmers with a comprehensive assessment of their soil health, and provides comparisons of soil health and management data between peer farms. The study, which began in Pennsylvania in 2016, has grown to include more than 200 farms from Maine to South Carolina. Future Harvest and the Million Acre Challenge are proud to partner on this important research initiative for over 40 research collaborators across Maryland.
Soil health indicators measured for the benchmark include physical, chemical and biological attributes, such as aggregate stability, organic matter, microbial respiration and nutrient levels. These soil attributes will then be placed in the context of field management techniques, including tillage frequency and intensity, cover cropping, and organic matter inputs.
Farmers participating in the Soil Health Benchmark Study interact regularly to discuss findings, troubleshoot challenges, and brainstorm ideas for innovative yet practical solutions.
In addition to fostering a learning community among our research collaborators, we share insights from our study to broader audiences during webinars, field days, and conferences.
Learn about insights gleaned from the study HERE.
Future Harvest and the Million Acre Challenge participation in the Pasa Soil Health Benchmark Study has been possible thanks to generous support provided by the Town Creek Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Maine Community Foundation, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Economic Case Studies
Soil Health Case Study Project developed a method to evaluate the economic outcomes experienced by “soil health successful” row crop farmers and tree nut growers and communicate the results in compelling and easy-to-read two-page case studies. American Farmland Trust and the Million Acre Challenge are sharing these methods with our fellow ag conservation professionals in a Soil Health Economic Case Study Toolkit so they can conduct their own analyses of producers in their area who have successfully adopted soil health practices and produce their own case studies.