PUBLICATION W235C
Building Healthy Soils
If you have questions about this resource, contact your county Extension office.
Summary
Healthy soil is the foundation of organic and sustainable farming. Learn how soil texture and structure affect drainage, aeration, and water holding, and how organic matter and soil organisms build good tilth. The guide highlights soil building steps like reducing tillage, keeping crop residues, using cover crops and green manures, rotating crops, and adding manure or compost. It explains how these practices improve fertility, reduce erosion, and support beneficial microbes and earthworms, with notes on safe manure use under organic rules.
Publications in Series: Introduction to Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Transitioning to Organic Farm Systems
Increasing Farm Biodiversity
Crop Rotations
Trap Crops, Intercropping and Companion Planting
Cover Crops and Green Manures
Communicating the Green Advantages of Wood to Your Customers: A Marketing Guide for Manufacturers
Fall Cover Crop Selection and Planting Dates in Tennessee
Harvested for You
Based on the subjects and categories of this publication, you may be interested in the following resources.
What is Soil Texture Made of?
Soil Solarization in Tennessee: A Pesticide-Free Method for Controlling Soil-Borne Pests in Home Gardens
Liming Acid Soils in Tennessee
