Resources
Photo credit: CAMPO Collective's Stoneboat Farm, by Jamie Thrower
About This Page​
This page offers resources designed to support farmers, ranchers, farm service providers, and researchers in building climate resilience through soil health. Here, you’ll find a diverse collection of reports, research, and practical guides focused on soil health, carbon sequestration, funding opportunities, and more. Explore more resources in each of the six sections by clicking the “learn more” button below.
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A majority of these resources are created in English, but may be available for translation through your web browser. Find all the resources originally in Spanish in the “Recursos en Español” section.
Disclaimer
OrCAN shares resources related to soil health, from a variety of sources. OrCAN does not necessarily endorse all of the content on this page and may not share the views and opinions of the authors or associated organizations.
Soil Health in Oregon
An introduction to the current state of soil health and climate resilience in Oregon, and statewide resources for producers to learn about existing soil health programs.
A 2022 OSU Extension report and storymap on how Oregon producers are responding to drought and heat, and the support they need to build resilience.
OrCAN’s 2020–2021 findings on climate-resilient agriculture in Oregon, producer needs, and gaps in support.
A living spreadsheet detailing SWCD soil health equipment rentals, soil testing services, and grant opportunities across Oregon, compiled by OrCAN.
A 2024 guide from the Oregon Association of Conservation Districts offering tools, programs, and training on soil health and carbon sequestration.
A 2021 report estimating GHG emissions from cropland and grazing land in Oregon under current and future conservation practices.
Soil Health and Its Benefits
Learn about soil health practices and their many benefits through a wide array of resources.
A USDA NRCS resource outlining the four principles of soil health, key practices, and their benefits.
ABC’s of Soil Health​​
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An interactive story map exploring soil’s role in agriculture, with videos on conservation and management practices.
OrCAN’s 2025 guide to deepen understanding of land stewardship practices and uplift Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) around soil health.
A podcast by Diego Footer featuring experts discussing soil science, composting, cover cropping, biochar, no-till, fungi, and related topics.
A 2021 American Farmland Trust report on how no-till and cover crops boost soil carbon storage and cut nitrous oxide emissions, and challenges to implementation.
Practical Application
Find resources for implementing soil health practices and conducting and interpreting soil health assessments. Additionally, learn more about opportunities and barriers to implementing these practices, and how to navigate these challenges.
An article from Noble Research Institute on identifying and understanding soil health indicators for your farm or ranch.
A 2018 SARE report outlining climate challenges for U.S. agriculture and strategies to build farm resilience.
Oregon State University Extension Service offers a guide on soil testing in Oregon.
A comprehensive analysis from 2020 of transitioning to resilient farming practices that prioritize equity and farmer needs.
The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) interviewed Native farmers and ranchers to explore their regenerative practices, goals, and the benefits they experience.
Funding Opportunities
The following programs offer funding for practices, projects, plans, and more that incorporate soil health practices and build climate resilience.
This program can provide payment for eligible soil health practices. Contact your local NRCS staff to apply.
This program can provide payment for eligible soil health practices. Contact your local NRCS staff to apply.
This program helps Oregon’s small farms to be more resilient to climate disasters.
This grant funds the development, implementation, and monitoring of Conservation Management Plans (CMP) on farms and ranches.
Farmers and ranchers can receive up to $25k to implement climate-smart practices that sequester carbon.
Carbon Markets
OrCAN does not endorse carbon markets; read more about the opportunities and issues surrounding this complex topic through the resources below.​
A 2024 guidebook from American Farmland Trust offering farmers and advisors detailed insights into the evolving agricultural carbon markets and programs.
A deep dive into the issues around carbon markets from Civil Eats.
A 2024 four-part webinar series by the Soil Carbon Solutions Center and Quivira Coalition, guiding producers and advisors through agricultural carbon markets, case studies, project assessment, and emerging opportunities.
Recursos en Español
En esta sección, compartimos unos recursos creados en español y una lista de socios, con la meta de desarrollar una comunidad agrícola resiliente, basada en la salud del suelo.
Un recurso del USDA NRCS compartiendo los cuatro principios de la salud del suelo, prácticas claves, y sus beneficios.
Un curso gratis en español sobre la salud del suelo como parte de un ecosistema saludable.
Una subvención disponible en español para desarrollar la resiliencia ante desastres climáticos.
Un documento de American Farmland Trust que explica por qué un suelo saludable le dará cultivos saludables.
Un paquete de guÃas gratis de SARE sobre varios aspectos de agricultura sostenible, incluyendo la salud del suelo.