Practical Application
Photo credit: Blue Raven Farm, by Jamie Thrower
​These resources focus on the practical application and opportunities/barriers to implementation of soil health practices. Resources in this section may be relevant to farmers, ranchers, technical assistance providers, farm service providers, and anyone else implementing, or supporting implementation of, soil health practices.
Soil Health Practices and Strategies
Climate-Smart Mitigation Activities
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRCS’s current list of practices that reduce GHG emissions or boost carbon sequestration, while also supporting soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience.​
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Look for These Soil Health Indicators in the Field
Noble Research Institute
This article describes how to recognize and interpret soil health indicators on your farm or ranch. ​
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Cultivating Climate Resilience on Farms and Ranches
Laura Lengnick with Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), 2018
This paper outlines the new challenges that changing weather patterns pose in agriculture throughout the United States, and what you can do to make your farm more resilient.​
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US Biochar Initiative
A not-for-profit organization promoting the sustainable production, education, and use of biochar through research, policy, technology and implementation
Coming Soon: Cover Crop Selection Tool
Western Cover Crop Council
The Cover Crop Selection Tool is designed to help farmers simplify the process of choosing the ideal cover crop for their needs, with an expected release later in 2025.​
Photo credit: Jen Aron, Blue Raven Farm, by Jamie Thrower
Soil Assessments and Interpretation
Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health Manual
Cornell University, 2017
The purpose of this manual is to provide an overview of soil health concepts, present a framework for soil health management planning and implementation, provide a how-to guide for proper soil health sampling, and more.
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Soil Testing Lab Selection and Recommended Analytical Methods for Oregon
Gordon Jones et. al., Oregon State University Extension Service, 2024
This resource from OSU Extension offers guidance on what to consider and how to select an analytical laboratory for soil nutrient testing in Oregon.
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Soil Test Interpretation Guide
Oregon State University Extension Service, reviewed 2023
This guide focuses on soil health test interpretation for nutrient management.
Opportunities and Barriers to Implementation of Soil Health Practices
Understanding Regenerative Agriculture on Native Farms & Ranches
Intertribal Agriculture Council
What regenerative agriculture approaches are Native farmers and ranchers implementing on Native lands? What do producers hope to achieve with these practices? What are some of the benefits that come with a regenerative approach? These are just a few of the questions the Intertribal Agriculture Council set out to answer through a series of interviews with staff and several producer members in this resource.
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American Farmland Trust
These case studies quantify economic and environmental benefits of soil health practices across different farming systems throughout the US.
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Barriers For Farmers & Ranchers To Adopt Regenerative Ag Practices In The US
Jennifer O’Connor, Guidelight Strategies, 2020
A comprehensive analysis from 2020 of transitioning to resilient farming practices that prioritize equity and farmer needs.
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A Discussion on Decolonizing Regenerative Agriculture
First Nations Development Institute, 2020
A recorded conversation featuring A-dae Romero Briones of the First Nations Development Institute and Mark Muller of the Regenerative Agriculture Foundation. Register with your name and email for free access to the recording
Does Regenerative Agriculture Have a Race Problem?
Gosia Wozniacka, Civil Eats, 2021
This Civil Eats article examines how the regenerative agriculture movement often overlooks the contributions and voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). It highlights that without addressing underlying structural racism, land dispossession, and equity in access, regenerative agriculture risks continuing the injustices it claims to remedy.
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Building Native American Agriculture
Native American Agriculture Fund, 2022
A manual for building native food economies, including grant funding, agriculture, distribution and more.
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Oregon State University Extension Service, 2022
Explore a story map summary of the findings, or read the full report. The report provides an overview of what actions are already being taken by producers to manage drought and heat and what resources and support they need to become more resilient in the face of these challenges.
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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.