Video 1: Soil Health Basics

Soil is more than a growing medium for crops. It is a living ecosystem that supports plants, animals, and people.

In this video, Minnesota farmer Alex Udermann and NRCS State Soil Health Specialist Stephanie McLain discuss how healthy soils improve water infiltration, reduce erosion, and help recharge groundwater resources that communities rely on for drinking water.

The video also explores practical ways to get started with soil health practices and emphasizes that meaningful improvements often begin with small, manageable steps.

Click the image below or scan the QR code to watch the video:

The image highlights soil health, featuring a hand holding soil, a family at a table, and a person pouring water into a glass. — Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqE41RjdRZY

These videos were put together by a soil health interagency workgroup with the help of Graywood Films.

If you have questions about these videos and resources, please contact Katie Breth with Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) at (218) 671-1006 or katie.breth@mrwa.com.

Explore Kanabec SWCD's agriculture and soil health programs and opportunities:

The image outlines five principles for soil health: keep soil covered, minimize disturbance, maintain living roots, maximize diversity, and integrate livestock.

Agriculture and Soil Health

Managing soil health is one of the most effective ways for farmers to increase crop productivity and profitability while improving the environment.

Three people gardening, with a child helping plant seeds in the soil.

Cost-Share Assistance for Agricultural Practices

Farmers and landowners can access cost-share assistance for a variety of conservation practices that protect soil and water resources.

Overview of the AgBMP Loan Program: Borrower starts, gets approvals, completes steps, and receives funding from lender.

Agriculture Best Management Practices (AgBMP) Loan Program

The AgBMP Loan Program offers a vital resource for local governments to address water quality concerns in Minnesota’s rural areas, including Kanabec…

Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP)

Visit the MAWQCP website or contact your regional specialist:

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Kanabec Soil and Water Conservation District

The image features cover crops, hands measuring water quality, and farmers working in a field.

Video 2: Benefits of Cover Crops

Cover crops help keep living roots in the soil throughout more of the year, supporting the biological processes that build healthy soils.

The image depicts tillage in farming, showing a tractor working on a field, crop details, and a farmer inspecting equipment.

Video 3: No-Till and How To Get Started

In this video, learn about the benefits of conservation tillage and no-till practices. No-till farming is a sustainable agricultural practice for…

Explore Kanabec SWCD's agriculture and soil health programs and opportunities:

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