A recent panel discussion held by experts emphasized the importance of soil health practices in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events and improving agricultural sustainability. Dennis Todey, director of USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub, highlighted the significance of soil health management in increasing resilience to extreme weather events. He explained that by improving soil health and infiltration in upstream agricultural fields, the downstream impact of flooding could be reduced.
Todey also pointed out that implementing soil health practices can provide agronomic benefits such as reducing soil loss and water quality issues. However, he acknowledged that resolving the issue of soil health remains challenging, particularly in terms of funding for practices that occur outside urban areas or cities.
A report from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) estimated that poor soil health costs global food production between $15 to $40 billion per year. Todey’s comments were made following a CAST panel discussion titled “Impacts of Soil Health Practices on Hydrologic Processes.” The panel featured speakers such as Dr. Briana Wyatt, Todd Peterson, Jerry Hatfield, Sean McMahon, and Stefan Gailans who shared their expertise on soil health practices.
The discussion emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address soil health issues and promote environmentally-friendly farming practices. It also highlighted the importance of incorporating sustainable agriculture principles into our daily lives to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.