Tips for building a healthy soil

Soil is the foundation for your plants. Focus on building a healthy soil, and your plants will benefit.

Have your soil tested. Determine pH, salts and nutrient levels.
Look at your soil. Is the soil rich in organic matter, does it have earthworms and does it hold moisture? Read Assessing Soil Quality to learn more.
Desert soils have little organic matter. Add organic matter, such as compost, regularly to help hold nutrients and moisture in the soil. For landscape areas, dig in organic matter to a depth of 6 to 12 inches and mix well. Be careful not to damage the roots of existing plants.
In vegetable beds, consider growing cover crops and green manures. These are temporary plantings that protect the soil from erosion and add organic matter. Turn them into the soil 2 to 3 weeks before planting new seed or plants. Learn more about cover crops.
Never dig or till a soil that is wet. This will destroy the soil structure.
Minimize tillage to maintain soil structure and reduce erosion.
Test how well water soaks into the soil. Dig a hole, fill it with water, and see what happens. The water should seep into the soil at a minimum rate of ½ inch per hour. If drainage is poor, mix in organic matter and consider plant drainage requirements.
Avoid compacting the soil. Limit vehicle or foot traffic, especially on wet soil.
Keep bare soil covered with mulch or cover crops, so you don't lose it.
Pesticide use can affect the organisms living in the soil that help break down the organic matter and make nutrients available to plants. Minimize use of pesticides whenever possible.

Photo os a person digging a hole
_{To learn more about your soil, dig a hole and look for signs of organic matter, earthworms and roots.}

Hefner, M. 2019, Tips for Building a Healthy Soil, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP

Extension Associated Contacts

Anne R. Lindsay

Also of Interest:


Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Elko, Nev. As part of the planning process, Nevada Volunteers in partnership with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension conducted six community forums across the state in Reno, Fallon, Las Vegas, Mesquite, Elko and Tonopah in spring of 2016 as a means of outreach to both rural and ... Rebori, M., Baker-Tingey, J., and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Fallon, Nevada The contents of this report include the information and thoughts about the community as seen from the perspective of these participants. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive picture of the entire area, but merely a snapshot as provided by those in attendance. Powell, P., Rebori, M., and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-08
Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Mesquite, Nev. The contents of this report include the information and thoughts about the community as seen from the perspective of these participants. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive picture of the entire area, but merely a snapshot as provided by those in attendance. Rebori, M. and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-11
Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Reno, Nev. The contents of this report include the information and thoughts about the community as seen from the perspective of these participants. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive picture of the entire area, but merely a snapshot as provided by those in attendance. Rebori, M. and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-12
Report to Community on Volunteer Forum: Tonopah, Nev. The contents of this report include the information and thoughts about the community as seen from the perspective of these participants. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive picture of the entire area, but merely a snapshot as provided by those in attendance. Rebori, M. and Wright, J. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-13

Associated Programs

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Healthy Kids Resource Center

A one-stop shop for evidence-based research, resources, curricula, activities and materials that focus on obesity prevention for teachers and parents of young children. It is designed to educate parents and teachers as well as provide the tools needed to teach young children how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Tips for Building a Healthy Soil