Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farms and resilient ecosystems. At Ducks Unlimited, we partner with farmers to implement science-based soil health practices that enhance productivity, reduce input costs and protect natural resources. Together, we're building a future where agriculture and conservation thrive side by side.
Why Soil Health Matters
- Increased Resilience: Healthy soil promotes optimal crop growth, boosts organic matter and ensures year-to-year stability. This helps build long-term dependability for farms and the supply chain.
- Water Retention: Enhanced water-holding capacity reduces drought impact, minimizes erosion and prevents runoff, ensuring the land remains productive even in challenging conditions.
- Savings & Revenue: Effective soil health practices reduce reliance on fertilizers and pesticides, lowering input costs. Cover crops can also provide livestock forage and open opportunities for environmental market incentives.
- Downstream Benefits: Practices like no-till farming and buffer zones improve water quality by limiting sediment and nutrient runoff, benefiting surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Practices for Healthier Soil
Our approach combines technical expertise and financial assistance to help farmers adopt proven soil health practices tailored to their land. Here's how we do it:
Cover Crops
Plant cover crops to improve soil structure, prevent erosion and increase organic matter
Crop Rotation
Alternate crops to promote nutrient cycling, reduce pest pressure and enhance soil fertility
No-Till Farming
Preserve soil integrity by minimizing disturbance, reducing labor, fuel costs and erosion
Livestock Integration
Incorporate grazing practices to optimize nutrient recycling and build soil resilience
Nutrient Management
Manage soil nutrients to maximize economic benefit while minimizing environmental impact
Irrigation Infrastructure
Adopt efficient irrigation systems to conserve water and improve delivery on your farm
Riparian Buffers
Establish vegetation buffers along waterways to filter runoff and protect water quality
Treatment Wetlands
Construct wetlands using natural processes to improve soil health and water quality
Get Involved
Since 1937, we have worked with farmers and producers to find science-based solutions and implement sustainable practices on agriculture lands.
Kody Aesoph
Aesoph Farms
"When I found out Ducks Unlimited was willing to cost-share with me, I was surprised. I really feel like I'm collaborating with DU to put this investment to good use. We've really seen benefits in terms of water quality and healthy wetland habitat on the property."
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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DU tries to work with operations of all sizes, where programs exist. Reach out to learn how we can help you.
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Please click here to learn what opportunities exist in your location. Reach out to learn how we can help you.
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Not necessarily. We do often work in partnership with agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service and can help administer that process, but often our programs are slightly different and involve a blend of partners.
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This can vary depending on the program, but most are around five years. DU recognizes that practice change can be intimidating and often requires flexibility for extenuating circumstances. We view our work with private landowners as joint partnerships; not contractual relationships.
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No. This is never a requirement of our programs unless explicitly noted or used as weighting criteria. We do believe in the importance of outdoor recreation opportunities, especially for youth and will try to support access programs in a voluntary way that minimize burdens on landowners.
