Considering Soil Quality and Water Availability for Farming

Considering Soil Quality and Water Availability for Farming

The Importance of Soil Quality in Agriculture

Soil quality is the very foundation of a thriving agroecosystem and plays a vital role in the growth and productivity of plants.  But consider that soil is more than just a foundation for plant growth - it also stores nutrients and reduces erosion and pollution. Its role in the nutrient cycle is vital, making soil quality key in farming and a significant variable when purchasing farmland. The health of soil directly affects crop types, yields, and sustainability, possibly making your investment less or more attractive.

How to Improve Soil Quality

The most effective method for improving soil quality is incorporating organic matter like compost or manure. Farmers also rely on plant litter which refers to plant roots, stubble, leaves, and mulch. To bring nutrients back into the soil earthworms and microorganisms will decompose these materials and this process will release nutrients back into the ground.

Assessing and Maximizing Water Resources

Water is undeniably a vital component in farming and agriculture and a key factor when purchasing a piece of farmland.

There are two components to water accessibility:

-        A consistent and dependable source of water on the farm.

-        Water quality conducive for agricultural purposes.

Potential water sources can range from groundwater wells, surface water from rivers or lakes to even recycled wastewater. Understanding the local rainfall patterns and aquifer recharge rates, coupled with water quality testing, are essential steps in this assessment process.

Live water or dependable water access allows for efficient irrigation systems. Farmers utilize drip or sprinkler irrigation, which can dramatically even water distribution, and positively contribute to crop health.

Improving Farming Practices

Balancing soil and water factors in farming comes as a daily necessity but the success of these efforts is directly related to the efficiency and precision of soil improvement and effective water usage.  Today’s technology adds much more accuracy to farming and agriculture and farmers are taking advantage of these tools to improve the success in their crop production. 

If you're considering purchasing or selling a farm, United Country Real Estate agents and brokers have decades of experience providing farm real estate expertise. To learn more about improving soil quality through crop rotation, strategies to optimize water use and more, check out the full article on our specialized farm website.

Contact United Country Real Estate farm property experts today to find the perfect property that balances your budget and the plan for your agricultural business.