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Improving soil health is a cornerstone of good land stewardship, whether you’re managing farmland, wildlife habitat, or a mix of both. Dr. Grant Woods, a wildlife biologist and expert in regenerative agriculture, shared insights into how landowners can improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and leave a lasting legacy of healthier ecosystems. “Healthy soil is the foundation for everything—wildlife, crops, clean water, and even the air we breathe. When you get the soil working for you, it changes the whole game,” says Dr. Woods.

The Impact of Soil Degradation

Dr. Woods explains that most landowners inherit soil that has been degraded by years of conventional agricultural practices. “None of us have walked on a piece of land that hasn’t been impacted by past mismanagement,” he says. From erosion caused by plowing to the overuse of herbicides, many practices have stripped the land of its natural productivity. Fortunately, soil regeneration is possible—and surprisingly straightforward.

Reducing Soil Disturbance

The first step when trying to improve soil health, according to Dr. Woods, is reducing soil disturbance. “Stop disking, stop plowing—just stop turning the soil over,” he emphasizes.

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Soil disturbance disrupts its structure, while excessive herbicides and insecticides harm vital microbes needed for nutrient cycling.

Physical disturbance breaks up soil structure, while chemical disturbance, such as the overuse of herbicides and insecticides, harms the beneficial microbes essential for nutrient cycling. “The less we disturb the soil, the more it can do what it’s meant to do: act like a sponge to hold water and a bank to store nutrients.”

Keeping Soil Covered

Covering the soil is equally important. “Healthy soil should look like chocolate cake—dark, rich, and porous,” Dr. Woods notes. Keeping a living plant or mulch on the soil year-round helps protect it from erosion, retain moisture, and provide food for microbes. Dr. Woods describes a recent storm in his area, where over six inches of rain fell in a single day. “My plots had zero erosion,” he recalls. “Because we leave a thatch of mulch and always keep living roots in the soil, that water soaked in instead of washing away. Healthy soil handles both floods and droughts better—it’s a win-win.”

The Importance of Plant Diversity

A major part of improving soil health is planting diverse species. “Diversity is key. You’ll never see a monoculture in nature,” Dr. Woods explains. He advises landowners to plant a mix of grasses, legumes, and broadleaf plants to mimic natural ecosystems. “Each plant species releases different carbonic acids that break down soil minerals, making nutrients more available. A diverse blend also produces more biomass and attracts a wider variety of wildlife.”

Integrating Animals for Soil Health

Dr. Woods also stresses the value of integrating animals into the landscape to improve soil health. “Ruminants like deer and cattle aren’t just grazing—they’re depositing billions of microbes into the soil through their saliva, urine, and manure,” he says. Managed grazing systems can replicate the natural cycles that once maintained soil fertility.

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“Integrating animals into the landscape enriches soil health by naturally cycling nutrients and boosting microbial activity,” says Dr. Woods.

For hunters, these practices can transform their land into a thriving ecosystem that supports both wildlife and agriculture. “Big antlers start in the dirt,” Dr. Woods says with a smile. “If you improve the soil, you improve the quality of the habitat, and that means healthier, bigger deer.”

Sustainability and Cost Savings

Dr. Woods also discusses how these regenerative practices are more sustainable and profitable in the long run. “I haven’t used commercial fertilizer in eight years,” he says. “When you let the soil regenerate, you don’t need it. Microbes do the work for you, and the cost savings are enormous.” He believes that landowners who adopt these practices are setting themselves up for success while leaving a positive legacy.

How to Get Started

For those new to soil health, Dr. Woods suggests starting small. “Get educated,” he advises. “Listen to podcasts, watch videos, and learn from others who’ve done it. Then, begin by reducing disturbances and planting diverse cover crops. You’ll start to see changes within the first year.” He also recommends using tools like no-till drills, which many NRCS offices rent out at low cost.

The Bigger Picture

By adopting these principles, landowners can create a healthier, more resilient landscape that benefits wildlife, agriculture, and future generations. “The more we learn, the brighter the future looks,” Dr. Woods says. “Improving soil health isn’t just good for your land—it’s good for the planet.”

For landowners ready to start their journey toward healthier soil, Dr. Woods’ advice is clear: “The soil will give back more than you put in if you treat it right. Start today, and the results will amaze you.”