Soil Conservation Techniques That Save Farmers Money
With input costs on the rise, farmers are finding cost savings through soil conservation techniques.
Back in 2020, an international study found that more than 90 percent of conventionally farmed soil was thinning, and roughly 16 percent had lifespans of less than a century left without intervention. If anyone understands the importance of topsoil, it’s the farmer. Protecting that soil requires adaptation and innovation. As new research emerges, more farmers are finding that investing in conserving, repairing, and rebuilding their soil provides cost savings over time and is a key player in creating a more resilient operation.
As a nationwide land lender, AgAmerica has had the opportunity to work with farms of all shapes and sizes. We understand that no two farmers are alike, but we’ve also seen firsthand the long-term benefits farmers are reaping when they prioritize soil health and apply soil conservation techniques in a way that fits their unique operation.
It’s not our business to tell you how to farm. But what we are in the business of doing is advocating for the farmer and providing them with the resources they require to build lasting financial success. In this article, we cover some of the most popular soil conservation techniques we’ve seen and why.
Top Soil Conservation Techniques for Farmers
According to the 2022 ag census, more than half of farms have already implemented minimal or no tillage on their operation, making it the most commonly used soil conservation practice. Studies have found that soils managed with conservation strategies tend to have longer lifespans. Only seven percent of conservation-managed soil had lifespans under a century, with nearly half exceeding 5,000 years.
Illinois farmer David Isermann said he saw savings on fuel, equipment, and fertilizer when he decided to test out soil conservation techniques.
“A year like this, where you’re really looking at costs, I think people are starting to look at what some of these costs are and realize there’s other ways to do things.”
– David Isermann, Illinois farmer
But where to start?
Soil Testing
Soil testing helps farmers understand the nutrient levels in their soil. A lab analyzes a sample from your field to find out things like pH, nutrient levels (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and organic matter.
The benefits of soil testing include:
- More efficient fertilizer use. Instead of guessing, you’ll know exactly what your soil needs and how much. This saves money by avoiding unnecessary fertilizer purchases.
- Boosts to crop yields and quality. With the right balance of nutrients, plants grow stronger and produce more, which means more profit per acre.
- Preventative risk management. Soil testing can spot deficiencies or imbalances early, before they cut into your yields or require expensive fixes.
- Lower input costs. Regular tests (every 3–5 years) help you track trends in soil health, so you don’t overspend on inputs year after year.
Additionally, soil testing is a low-cost tool (about $7–$10 per sample, sometimes free through state programs or tax breaks).
Precise Fertilizer Application
Besides wasting money, overapplying nutrients can upset the balance of microbes and organic matter that make topsoil fertile. Extra nutrients also wash or leach away more easily, taking valuable topsoil with them.
Once you soil test to see what specific amendments your soil needs, some farmers are finetuning their input use further with variable-rate technology and GPS-guided equipment. With this precision ag technology, you can apply the right amount of fertilizer, in the right place, at the right time. This keeps nutrients where crops need them, reduces runoff and erosion, and helps maintain the natural biology of your soil.
For example, after implementing these methods, Isermann noted that his operation was “down to about 3/4 of a pound of nitrogen for a bushel.”
No-Till and Strip-Till
Every time soil is tilled, it’s left exposed to wind and water. That is when valuable topsoil can blow or wash away. Reduced tilling helps solve this problem by leaving more residue on the surface and disturbing less soil overall.
Approximately 50 percent of surveyed U.S. farmers use reduced till practices on more than one-half of their acreage. According to Isermann, strip-till and no-till “saved a lot of fuel,” reducing equipment needs and saving time.
“It’s saved a lot of fuel. You didn’t have to have quite as big tractors, and as much equipment. It saved a lot of time, too, and it also seemed to be the right thing to do.”
– David Isermann, Illinois farmer
Cover Crops
Cover crops (like grasses, legumes, and brassicas) are grown between cropping seasons to protect the soil. Approximately 41 percent of farmers surveyed identified soil health improvement as their primary motivation for adopting cover crops, whereas 34 percent indicated erosion control as their main reason for adoption. Over 71 percent reported that the use of cover crops increased both soil health and crop yields.
Crop Diversification
Crop diversification—planting different crops in rotation—helps the soil rest, rebuild nutrients, and fight off pests and diseases naturally. Think of soil as a body that needs a balanced diet to stay strong. Farmers who diversify their crops are feeding their land a healthier diet.
For example, experts recommend planting small grains before row crops, which may enable farmers to produce two crops on the same land within a 12-month period, as well as adding a legume crop to a rotation to help raise soil nitrogen levels and increase the organic matter within the soil structure.
Agriculture Policy Is Shifting to Support Soil Conservation Techniques
The future of agriculture policy is pointing toward more support, better tools, and policies that prioritize flexibility.
Leaders in Washington are pushing for healthier soil as part of a broader push for healthier people. The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative connects soil health with food and public health. USDA officials have prioritized helping farmers adopt soil conservation practices voluntarily. That means support and resources are available without mandates or forced transitions.
“Soil is the bridge between agriculture and MAHA. We don’t want to tell farmers what you can’t do. We want to tell farmers, this is the goal, and the goal is healthy soil.”
– Senator Roger Marshall
While long-term goals under MAHA point toward reducing or eliminating chemical use, farm leaders made it clear that farmers can’t be expected to stop cold turkey. Policymakers acknowledge this reality, promising to support farmers as new, practical alternatives emerge. The focus is on gradual change, with “off-ramps” and incentives instead of punishments.
Financing Built with Your Farm’s Future in Mind
Protecting your topsoil isn’t just about conservation—it’s about protecting your bottom line and the future of your land. At AgAmerica, we know every farm is different, which is why we offer flexible financing options designed specifically for landowners. Whether you’re looking to reinvest in conservation practices, free up cash flow, or secure long-term stability, our team is here to help. Contact AgAmerica today to see how we can support your operation in protecting both your soil and your future.
