Small or large acreage, here is the list of the 10 Things you can do to increase soil and water quality on the land (or lot) that you own:

1. Implement Cover Cropping – Reduces erosion, increases organic matter, improves water infiltration, and suppresses weeds (e.g., clover, rye, legumes).

2. Use Conservation Tillage or No-Till Practices – Minimizes soil disturbance, retains moisture, improves soil structure, and reduces runoff.

3. Create Buffer Strips or Riparian Zones – Vegetated areas along waterways filter pollutants, trap sediment, and prevent nutrient runoff.

4. Apply Compost and Organic Amendments – Boosts fertility, improves microbial life, enhances water retention, and significantly reduces chemical input needs.

5. Manage Livestock Access to Waterways – Prevents erosion and water contamination by fencing off streams and offering alternative water sources.

6. Install Rain Gardens or Swales – Captures and filters stormwater runoff, reduces erosion, and helps recharge groundwater.

7. Practice Mulching – Helps retain moisture, prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and slowly adds organic matter to the soil.

8. Collect and Use Rainwater (Rain Barrels or Tanks) – Conserves water, reduces runoff, and provides a clean irrigation source.

9. Use Raised Beds with Healthy Soil Mixes – Enhances drainage, prevents compaction, and allows precise soil management for small spaces.

10. Rotate Crops and Diversify Plantings – Prevents nutrient depletion, disrupts pest cycles, and promotes biodiversity.