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

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Also of Interest:


Guía para los Propietarios de Viviendas en el Norte de Nevada Identificación y Manejo de la Polilla Esfinge de Rayas Blancas Las polillas Esfinge de Rayas Blancas se alimentan del néctar de las plantas y no causan ningún daño. Además, es importante señalar que las polillas adultas son buenas polinizadoras de muchas de nuestras plantas. Andrews, M.; Hanson-Mazet, W.; Kratsch, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-31
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Cabbage Caterpillars This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing common caterpillar pests on various crops in the cabbage family. K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-109
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Earwigs This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing earwigs in Nevada. K. Burls, W.Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-108
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Shield Bugs This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing Shield Bugs in Nevada. K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-110
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Squash Bugs This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing Squash Bugs in Nevada. K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H.i Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-111

Associated Programs

Garden plant and pest sprayers image by Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management program is a long-term management strategy that uses a combination of tactics to reduce pests to tolerable levels with potentially lower costs for the pest manager and minimal effect on the environment.

Tips for Building a Healthy Soil