Explore soil health resources and publications to learn more about best practices for improving soil health on your farm or ranch

This discussion was part of the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s second Soil Health Innovations Conference in March of 2022, and discusses the economics behind investing in soil health.

Feeding the Vegetable Garden – MSU Extension (montana.edu)

This PDF gives a great introduction to vegetable garden fertility and has some helpful charts about effects of fertility deficiency on plants.

Soil Fertility Considerations for Market Gardens – MSU Extension (montana.edu)

This MontGuide summarizes three MSU Extension bulletins focused on soil fertility for market gardens: Soil Characteristics & Testing, Nitrogen & Sulfur, and Phosphorus, Potassium & Micronutrients.

Soil Testing: Getting a Good Sample – MSU Extension (montana.edu)

A helpful guide on testing your soil.

Soil Health Indicators and Tests – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

An excellent introduction to soil biology 101 and applications for farming.

Building Healthy Pasture Soils – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

This publication, a supplement to ATTRA’s Managed Grazing Tutorial session on Pasture Fertility, introduces properties of soil, discusses evaluation and monitoring of soil quality, and introduces grazing management principles and techniques that promote healthy soil.

Soil Health 101: Principles for Livestock Production – NCAT ATTRA (youtube.com)

In this webinar, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Nina Prater talks about the five principles of soil health, with a particular focus on livestock production. She gives real world examples of how to put the soil health principles into practice.

What is Soil Health? – SARE (sare.org)

An interactive exploration of soil health and how to improve it.

Building Soils for Better Crops Book PDF – SARE (sare.org)

Extensive downloadable pdf book delving deep into soil management.

Soil and Water Management Course – MSU Extension (msuextension.org)

Excellent and succinct course covering soil biology, salinity, and erosion in soils from MSU Extension.

Amendments

Soil Acidification: An Emerging Problem in Montana – MSU Extension (montana.edu)

Farmers in several Montana counties are experiencing nearly complete yield loss in portions of their fields due to soil acidity (low pH). Traditionally, soil acidity was not an issue in much of Montana as most soils in agricultural areas had naturally high pH. However, this is changing. This guide from Montana Statue University delves into the causes and solutions.

Organic Fertilizer and Cover Crop Calculators | Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences (oregonstate.edu)

These free online tools allow you to compare the nutrient value and cost of cover crops, organic and synthetic fertilizers and compost in acre and 1,000 ft2 units. You can use them to estimate nitrogen supplied by cover crops and organic fertilizers, and develop well balanced and cost effective nutrient management programs for your farm.

Toolkit: How to Reduce Synthetic Fertilizer Use – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

As more farmers and ranchers transition away from synthetic fertilizer use, NCAT’s ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program has a library of trusted and practical resources to increase self-reliance and limit or eliminate the use of synthetics.

Nutrient Cycling in Pastures – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)’

This publication looks at the pathways and drivers that move nutrients into, out of, and within pasture systems. It attempts to provide a clear, holistic understanding of how nutrients cycle through pastures and what the producer can do to enhance the processes to create productive, regenerative, and resilient farm and ranch systems. Effective management of nutrient cycling in pastures is simply understanding how nature cycles nutrients in natural grasslands and then mimicking those processes.

Microbial Inoculants – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

This publication explains how microbial inoculants work, reviews current (in 2020) scientific literature and studies and offers practical recommendations and factors to consider before buying and using these products.

Alternative Soil Amendments – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

This publication covers soil amendments that are not standard agricultural fertilizers. These include plant and animal by-products, rock powders, seaweed, inoculants, conditioners and others.

Nutrient Management Plan (590) for Organic Systems Western State Implementation Guide – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

This document is an instruction guide for creating and implementing a nutrient management plan (NMP) on certified or transitioning organic
lands.

Orchard Nutrition – Western Agricultural Research Center | Montana State University

This web page outlines fertility needs for orchard systems, specifically apple trees.

Erosion and Water Management

Soil for Water – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

This web page outlines helpful resources and articles about water conservation.

Measuring Water Infiltration in Agricultural Soils – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

In this video, Lisa Blazure of the Pennsylvania Soil Health Coalition and NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Lee Rinehart discuss soil water conditions and demonstrate how to assess infiltration rates

Managing Soils for Water — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

Article outlining the 5 principles for soil health that support water infiltration and storage.

Indigenous Perspectives on Soil Health and Water – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

In this presentation, which was part of the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s second Soil Health Innovations Conferece, which was held in March 2022, current models and data are examined to demonstrate some impacts on indigenous lands and soil resulting from a kincentric ecological approach to land management.

Drought Resistant Soil — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

Abstract: To minimize the impact of drought, soil needs to capture the rainwater that falls on it, store as much of that water as possible for future plant use, and allow for plant roots to penetrate and proliferate. These conditions can be achieved through management of organic matter, which can increase water storage by 16,000 gallons per acre foot for each 1% organic matter.

Cover Crops

Clover Living Mulch: How to Seed Your Clover. Part 1 – NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

“This video includes an introduction to the first step of the CLMS — planting your clover. Lincoln discusses a variety of topics: Establishing a dense field cover of clover; utilizing the “bare soil” stage of this system to grow certain crops that do not necessarily perform well with clover competition; and specifics on seeding rates, density, broadcasting, and tractor-mounted implements.”

Managing Cover Crops Profitably — SARE (sare.org)

Extensive Handbook outlining cover crop decision making for your farm.

Estimating Plant-Available Nitrogen Release From Cover Crops — Pacific Northwest Extension (oregonstate.edu)

Helpful guide outlining nitrogen results from different cover crops.

Organic Fertilizer and Cover Crop Calculators | OSU (oregonstate.edu)

Interactive site with cover crop and fertilizer calculators for small and large scale operations.

Composting and Manure Application

Tipsheet: Compost — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

A helpful introductory guide to adding compost to your farming operation. Includes information on correct compost production and application rates.

How to Add Compost on Your Small Farm — NCAT (ncat.org)

A short publication with application rates and additional resources.

UMN-NDSU Online Manure Composting Workshop Video Series – UMN-NDSU — SARE (youtube.com)

Extensive video series outlining composting practices and techniques, from 2022.

Manure Composting for Livestock & Poultry Production — MSU Extension and WSARE (sare.org)

“Dealing with manure is a reality for animal agriculture, especially when livestock or poultry are confined for any length of time in pens, corrals, lots
or barns. This publication addresses medium-to-large scale composting as a management option for producers.”

Manures for Organic Crop Production — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

Abstract: Livestock manures are an important resource in sustainable and organic crop production. This publication addresses the problems and challenges of using both raw and composted manures and discusses some of the solutions. It also deals with guano, a similar material.

Vermicomposting: The Basics — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

“This publication is an introduction to creating and using vermicomposting bins to make compost. It covers the type of worms to use; food and bedding for the worms; introducing the worms to the bin; maintaining the worms through proper feeding and temperature regulation; and removing the compost from the bin. It also discusses various kinds of bins and how to make them. Finally, it includes a “troubleshooting” section with frequently asked questions concerning problems that might arise with a vermicomposting system.”

Low-Till Equipment

CFAC’s new Farmer Tool Library operates as an equipment-sharing resource for beginning and underserved farmers and ranchers. Tool Library members have shared access to a variety of tools and equipment at an affordable cost throughout the agricultural season.

2024 EQUIPMENT LIST

The Farmer Tool Library offers a selection of tools to support your agricultural equipment needs. We have two tractor options each with compatible implements for a variety of uses. The following items are available for rental:

42 HP Kubota L4060 4WD Tractor, compatible with:

25 Bushel Ground-Drive Manure Spreader
66” Reverse Tiller, 6” depth w/slip clutch
68” Heavy Duty Flail Mower with Hammer Blades
Traux FlexII-88 No-Till Seed Drill (available through Missoula Conservation District)

13 HP Grillo G110 Walk-Behind Tractor, compatible with:

6.5 cubic ft Compost/Manure Drop Spreader
30” Flail Mower
30” Power Harrow
Plastic Mulch and Drip-Tape Layer (for 4ft plastic mulch)

Apply Now!

Organic Agriculture

Nutrient Management Plan (590) for Organic Systems Western State Implementation Guide — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

“This document is an instruction guide for creating and implementing a nutrient management plan (NMP) on certified or transitioning organic lands.”

Reducing Tillage Intensity in Organic Production Systems — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

“This publication explores the diff erent approaches to tillage intensity in organic crop production systems. It reviews a number of alternatives and provides a summary of recent research and future research needs.”

Tillage timing influences nitrogen availability and loss on organic farms | Penn State University (psu.edu)

A study report outlining the effects of tillage timing and recommendations for best practices.

Environmental Benefits of Organic Agriculture: Soil — Oregon Tilth (oregontilth.org)

“Soil building practices such as crop rotations, cover crops, and organic fertilizers are central to organic practices. These practices replenish soil organic matter, feed soil life, reduce erosion, improve soil structure, and enhance nutrient cycling and water retention. This session presents scientific research examining the benefits of organic farming practices to soil.”

Free Webinar, but must create an account to access.

Using Organic Nutrient Sources — SARE (sare.org)

“This guide is intended to help growers interpret soil test recommendations for using organic nutrient sources.”

Cover Crop (340) in Organic Systems Western States Implementation Guide — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

“This document provides an overview of how the NRCS Cover Crop (340) conservation practice can be implemented on organic operations. It discusses different purposes for the practice’s use, design considerations, and how installation might di er in organic systems. Specifically, it outlines techniques and specifications to help NRCS conservationists and partners meet the requirements of the NRCS Cover Crop (340) practice standard and comply with USDA National Organic Program regulations.”

Tipsheet: Assessing the Soil Resource for Beginning Organic Farmers — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

Basic soil assessment guide with helpful tips for beginning farmers.

Tipsheet: Manure in Organic Production Systems — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

Tipsheet outlining the use of manure in organic systems, in compliance with NOP rules.

Nutrient Management Plan (590) for Organic Systems — NCAT ATTRA (ncat.org)

This document is an instruction guide for creating and implementing a nutrient management plan (NMP) on certified or transitioning organic
lands.

An Assessment of Organic Farming on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties — Oregon Tilth (conservationwebinars.net)

“Join this webinar to learn about the long term impact that organic farming practices can have on various soil properties. Researchers from University of Nebraska have published recent articles assessing the soil impacts of forty years organic farming practices. The research found that organic practices can increase soil organic matter content, fertility, and water storage, and reduce the soil’s susceptibility to compaction.”

Free Webinar, but must create an account to access.

Have More Questions About soil?

Schedule a one-to-one technical assistance session with a CFAC staff member today! These free sessions are an opportunity to get answers to questions, navigation to helpful resources, and connect with local and statewide organizations that can support your soil health plan.

Book a Free TA Session

Soil Health Resources Toolshed