Accelerate Your Soil Health
The Accelerate your Soil Health Pilot Project is now fully subscribed and no longer accepting applications.
Do you want to accelerate your soil health game?
Are you looking for a chance to test out some new cover crops?
Or learn more about your soil?
If this sounds like you, check out the details below!
Across Ontario, many farmers and members of the ag industry see the economic and environmental benefits of soil testing and cover cropping and are implementing these soil productivity practices. As our industry is ever evolving, we can always explore opportunities to learn and try different agronomic management practices.
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association has compiled a range of resources that we hope you will find helpful, no matter where you are at in the process of accelerating your soil health game.
Attention Lambton, Renfrew and Simcoe County Farmers
If you manage cropland in Lambton, Renfrew, and Simcoe counties, you can apply to participate in a pilot project focused on soil testing and/or cover cropping. If your application is successful, you will receive cost share and two free one-on-one meetings with an Expert Coach – i.e. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or Professional Agrologist (P.Ag) – to help you make improve soil productivity on your farm.
To learn how you can receive free agronomic advice and 60% funding up to $2500 to accelerate your soil testing and/or cover cropping click here.
Are you a Certified Crop Advisor or Professional Agrologist interested in being an Expert Coach for farmers in Lambton, Renfrew or Simcoe counties? Find details here.
Find Local Advice and Strategies
Finding information specific to your area will help you develop strategies for your farm.
To help you find local examples we have compiled a list of articles and videos of Ontario farmers sharing how they implement soil productivity practices on their operations. We have noted the farmer’s geographic region and commodities produced to help you zero in on local advice. Click here.
Find Resources
If you seek to accelerate your soil productivity practices, you will want to connect with the individuals who can help to make that happen. Check out OMAFRA’s list of Cover Crop Seed Suppliers and list of Accredited Soil Testing Laboratories in Ontario to find the options for your area.
Find Tools and Information
If you are looking for information on how to soil sample, how to interpret soil test results, or how to calculate your fertilizer application rates we have the resources to help you. You will also find information to help you select your cover crop species and incorporate them into your rotation.
To save you time we have compiled articles, factsheets, videos, and apps all in one place. Click here to access the tools you need.
Find Funding
Did you know that many Conservation Authorities and local municipalities offer funding for soil health practices? Check out this listing to learn about opportunities at the watershed or county level.
The Reducing Barriers to BMP Adoption – Soil Testing and Cover Crops is a three-year applied research initiative that supports improving soil health, productivity, and water quality on farms across Ontario. This project is funded by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association is delivering the project on behalf of Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.