Soil Health

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Green plants growing in a farm field on a sunny day.

Ramsey County Soil & Water aims to educate, assist, and empower residents to improve and implement soil health practices in an urban setting by offering tools, resources, and guidance. By working together to nurture the soil, we aim to create healthier communities, enhance biodiversity, protect water quality, and build more resilient ecosystems.

What is Soil Health?

The USDA defines soil health as the ability of soil to function as a vital ecosystem that supports plants, animals, and humans. Ramsey County faces unique challenges to soil health due to its sprawling urban landscape. Urban areas often experience issues such as compaction from heavy vehicle and foot traffic, limited infiltration caused by expansive impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots, and increased exposure to contaminants like trace metals and petroleum products. These conditions deteriorate soil structure, increase runoff, cause sediment erosion, and impact the movement of water both above and below ground. Despite these challenges, urban soils can be improved through intentional practices such as no-till farming, planting cover crops, increasing biodiversity, and ensuring the presence of continuous living roots. Planting native vegetation and creating pollinator gardens are additional ways to protect and revitalize urban soils. 

Soil Health Principles:

Soil Health Assessment

Pollinator Gardens

Compost

Educational Materials and Events