Soil Health Framework
Using the Framework

The health of agricultural soils is critically important for the success of food, fuel, and fiber production now and in the future. Whether under pressure from fluctuating input costs, severe weather events, or volatile commodity markets, growers in Michigan can improve their farm’s stability with investments in the soil. Developed in partnership with a group of 16 representatives from agricultural production, research, and marketing in Michigan, this framework provides row crop growers with a useful guide to assist with on-farm decisions for improved soil health. 

The principles recommended in this framework are voluntary and can be mixed-and-matched. The intent of the framework is to provide an actionable set of recommendations and considerations for growers interested in improving their soil health. There may be cost-share programs available for recommended practices - check with your local Conservation Technical Assistance Provider for more information.

The framework offers nine principles of soil health management: 

• Covered soils
• Enhanced crop diversity
• Reduced tillage
• Integrated pest management
• Optimized water management
• Utilizing organic nutrients
• Livestock integration
• Enhanced farm-scale habitat diversity
• Assessing soil health
  
  These principles are the core ideas that contain measurable practices or combinations of practices regarding a specific aspect of agricultural management. The principles are described in general terms before the metrics are introduced.
  
  Assessment metrics are provided for each principle in three steps: engaged, advanced, and leading. 

• The engaged step offers an entry point to the management practice, usually representing the most common or most feasible version of the practice(s).
• The advanced step represents a higher standard of practice used by growers with more experience in soil health practices. 
• The leading step indicates the best practice observable on working farms in Michigan. 
  
  Although these three steps are presented in a linear form, the reality of on-farm practices will often fall somewhere in between. The framework is provided as a tool for growers to situate themselves along the broad spectrum of soil health management practices. In addition to assessing their existing practices, growers and advisors can use this framework to consider additional practices that are feasible for the grower and their farm.
  
  This framework is a guide and does not replace program requirements for regulatory programs, voluntary or cost-share programs such as the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), or guarantee conformance with the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). 

References

The information presented in this guide has been compiled from several sources. The largest, most comprehensive, and most plain-language resource used was the fourth edition of Building Soils for Better Crops: Ecological Management for Health Soils by Fred Magdoff and Harold Van Es (2021), which is available for free through Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE): 

Magdoff, F., & Van Es, H. (2021). Building soils for better crops: Sustainable soil management (4th ed.). Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. https://www.sare.org/resources/building-soils-for-better-crops/ 

Additional information and perspectives were gathered from peer-reviewed research articles and research institution bulletins listed in the