Feature

Greetings from the Virginia Soil Health Coalition

The Virginia Soil Health Coalition is a broad network working to advance knowledge, outreach, and implementation of soil health in the Commonwealth. The network currently consists of 40 partner organizations and is guided by a Steering Committee of state leaders. We are excited to add the Virginia Turfgrass Council as one of our newest partner organizations and we look forward to meeting you in person at upcoming VTC events.

The Coalition has a successful history of working with the agricultural community on implementing practices that help to improve soil health. However, we understand that the soil does not stop at the end of the crop row and that all lands are a piece of the soil health story. With well over one million acres of turfgrass stretching across urban, suburban and rural Virginia, the management of the soil is of critical importance. The Virginia Turfgrass Council and Virginia Soil Health Coalition share common goals and interests like providing education and supporting practices that help improve environmental, economic, and social outcomes.

Soil is much more than the dirt under our feet. Soil is a critical, finite resource that stores carbon and water, provides habitat for billions of organisms, and is the foundation of food production.

Soil is a living system with biological, chemical, and physical properties. Some properties are inherent to the soil type and how the soil was formed but all the properties can be affected by management or neglect.

But what is soil health really about and how can you help build healthier soils? Whether you are managing turfgrass, cropland, or a garden, it all starts with the four principles of soil health:

1. KEEP SOIL COVERED

It’s the first step in protecting it from erosion, but also buffers oil temperature, slows rainfall runoff and aids rainfall infiltration.

2. MINIMIZE SOIL DISTURBANCE

Both physical and chemical. This proactive measure can heal and protect properties of the soil and ultimately enhance the biological component.

3. MAXIMIZE LIVING ROOTS

Doing this longer throughout the year fuels biological activity, aids nutrient cycling, and contributes to improved soil structure.

4. ENERGIZE WITH DIVERSITY

Use different species when possible. A diverse lawn is less susceptible to pests and disease which means you can reduce the need for pesticides and fungicides.

We understand that context is a huge piece of managing for soil health and everyone has their own goals to consider. Soil health is a journey and supporting these principles as much as possible within your own context will improve the health of the soil. It is critical that we all work together to properly care for the soil for the resilience of our landscapes and communities today and tomorrow.

Want to know more about the Virginia Soil Health Coalition?

Visit https://www.virginiasoilhealth.org and sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.