Soil Health: The Foundation of a Resilient Farm

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive and profitable farm. It supports crop growth, improves water retention, reduces erosion, and enhances resilience to extreme weather—all critical components of long-term risk management. At UConn Extension, we help farmers build and maintain soil health through science-based practices that improve sustainability and reduce risk. Whether you’re managing a small vegetable farm, a hayfield, or a diversified operation, improving soil health leads to stronger yields and lower input costs over time.

Why Soil Health Matters for Risk Management

• Increases resilience to drought, flooding, and other weather-related risks

• Improves crop productivity and long-term soil fertility

• Reduces erosion and nutrient runoff, protecting your land and nearby waterways

• Decreases reliance on synthetic inputs by building natural nutrient cycles

• Supports carbon sequestration and environmental stewardship

Soil Health Strategies We Support

Our educational programs and resources help farmers adopt practices such as:

• Cover cropping

• Reduced or no-till systems

• Organic matter management

• Crop rotation

• Compost and manure application

• Soil testing and nutrient management plans

Learn from Our Video Series

Our soil health videos highlight best practices, Connecticut farmer experiences, and simple steps to start improving your soil today. These short, practical videos are designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re new to soil health or refining your existing practices.

Looking for More Information

Amelia Magistrali, Soil Health Extension Educator, UConn Extension