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.