Healthier Soils To Get Through Drought

The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is collaborating with farmers to enhance soil health and function, making crops more drought-tolerant. Healthy soils, rich in organic matter, are better at retaining water and nutrients, thus improving resilience against drought. The NRC S provides technical support for practices like no-till planting and cover crops, which help maintain soil moisture and biological activity. These methods have proven beneficial, especially in drought-prone areas like northwestern Ohio. For more information, farmers are encouraged to contact their local NRC S office.

What is a key factor that makes healthy soils more resilient against drought?

• Reduced soil temperature

• Less biological activity

• Higher organic matter content

• Increased water runoff

Which practice is NOT mentioned as a method to improve soil health?

• Crop rotation

• Cover crops

• No-till planting

• Irrigation

What is the role of NRCS in supporting farmers?

• Conducting soil tests

• Providing financial loans

• Offering technical assistance

• Supplying seeds

How do cover crops help during drought conditions?

• By preventing water infiltration

• By reducing soil nutrients

• By opening up the soil for better root access

• By increasing soil temperature

What is a benefit of no-till farming mentioned in the video?

• Reduced crop yield

• Better moisture retention

• Higher soil temperature

• Increased soil erosion