Soil management

Soil management involves the application of practices that protect and enhance the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil to support sustainable land use. Key objectives include maintaining soil fertility, preventing erosion, improving structure, enhancing water retention, and promoting biodiversity. Effective soil management not only boosts crop productivity but also supports biodiversity and improves environmental outcomes, such as carbon sequestration and water quality, contributing to resilient agricultural systems.

Soil management for B.C. crops

Regionally-focused publications were developed to complement soil surveys. By knowing the soil names from the maps that accompany particular soil surveys, farmers and ranchers can find out about general limitations of specific soils for agriculture, and appropriate management inputs for suited crops. Although the publications describe soils in specific regions, the publications also contain information about managing soils for crop production across British Columbia.

• Soil Management Handbook for the Lower Fraser Valley (PDF, 2.9 MB)
• Soil Management Handbook for the Okanagan and Similkameen Valley (PDF, 3.4 MB)
• Soil Management Handbook for Vancouver Island (PDF)
• Forage Production on Poorly Drained Soils in the Southern Interior of B.C. (PDF, 2.4 MB)

Soil health

Soil health is the foundation of productive agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and environmental sustainability. Soil health reflects the soil’s capacity to function as a living ecosystem that supports plants, animals, and humans. Healthy soil is more than just dirt-it’s alive with microorganisms, rich in organic matter, and structured to hold water and nutrients effectively.

When soil is healthy, it supports strong crop growth, reduces the need for chemical inputs, and helps protect against erosion, drought, and disease. It also plays a key role in filtering water, cycling nutrients, and storing carbon, making it essential for both agriculture and climate resilience.

• Learn more about soil management practices that BC producers are using to improve their soil health

Bale grazing

Bale grazing is a winter-feeding method where hay bales are distributed across pastures for livestock to graze in place. Bale grazing is an innovative strategy that offers both economic and environmental benefits for livestock producers. When properly managed, bale grazing serves as a powerful tool for improving soil water holding capacity, increasing soil fertility and organic matter, boosting pasture productivity, and building resilience to drought. This practical guide outlines how to implement bale gazing to improve soil water holding capacity, potential risk and mitigation strategies as well as other associated benefits of bale grazing.

• Learn more about how to enhance soil water holding capacity through bale grazing

Cover cropping

Cover cropping provides a wide range of production and soil health benefits. Cover crops can help prevent soil erosion, build soil organic matter, regulate moisture, attract pollinators, assist in weed and pest management, loosen compacted soils, and improve nutrient cycling.

•   Learn more about cover crops

Soil pH

Soil pH affects plants, soil organisms, and the availability of soil nutrients and metals for plant uptake. Because soil pH can be challenging to adjust quickly or after crops have been planted, it is important to understand what adjustments are needed sooner than later. 

• Learn more about Soil pH

Soil erosion control

Erosion represents a loss of productive topsoil due to wind and water. The concern is accelerated erosion of soil that is not well protected. Organic matter and fertile topsoil are lost, in turn affecting water infiltration and evaporation. Ultimately, erosion can decrease crop yields and profitability.

• Read more on soil erosion control