New York Soil Health

New York State’s hub for soil health-related networking, research, education, and outreach

New York Soil Health for Healthy Food, Profitable Farms, and Protection of Natural Resources

Interest in soil health practices such as reducing tillage, planting cover crops, and using organic amendments has expanded greatly in recent years, yet barriers to adoption persist. Our project facilitates collaboration among the many ongoing efforts across the state to implement research, outreach, and policy solutions to address these barriers to adoption.

What is soil health?

Soil health refers to the ongoing ability of soil to function as a vital, living ecosystem that supports plants, animals, and people. As we work to restore degraded soils and track our progress, defining and measuring soil health has become increasingly important. We follow the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) definition, which emphasizes the soil’s role in sustaining life and ecological balance.

Featured Video

How to Test Soil Health

In this four-part video series, developed in collaboration between the New York Soil Health initiative and the Cornell Small Farms Program, you’ll see four simple yet powerful demonstrations that show both the profound impacts management decisions can have on soil health and how to test your soil’s health.

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Project Members

Meet the project coordinators and collaborators

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Featured Resource

Overview of biochar, resources, and information targeted towards ag applications for NYS producers.

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Policy Briefs

Browse policy briefs that provide evidence-based recommendations.

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Videos

A selection of videos covering soil health principles, soil health economics, cover crops, and more.

NY Soil Health News

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Governor Hochul Announces Two Grant Opportunities to Help Address Impacts of Climate Change and Protect Water Quality

10/09/2025

The State is making $24 million available to support soil health and on-farm projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve water quality through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program. In addition, $2 million is available through the State’s Ecosystem Based Management Program.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Announces Oechsner Farms Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

10/09/2025

The distinguished award honors a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) who have gone above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Grants Up To $30,000 Available for Northeast Farmers

10/09/2025

The Call for 2026 Northeast SARE Farmer Grants is now available. Approximately $800,000 has been allocated to fund projects for this grant cycle. Awards of up to $30,000 are available, depending on the complexity of a project. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on December 9, 2025.