Soil Health
Investing in soil health means investing in a farm's future. Soil health is one of the most important issues in Pennsylvania agriculture, and it is especially important in Clearfield County. Farm soils have been degraded as a result of long term tillage practices that have lowered productivity and increased environmental impacts.

Clearfield CCD is committed to improving the soils of Clearfield County by promoting practices such as no-till farming, cover crops, and rotational grazing. Find out more information below!

No-till Farming

  • Improves soil health by improving the soil biology
  • Improves soil structure and increases water infiltration and holding capacity
  • Reduces yield variability on extremely wet or dry years, and protects soil from erosion

Cover Crops

  • Scavenge excess nutrients that would otherwise be lost
  • Improves soil structure
  • Adds organic matter to soil
  • Weed suppression
  • Protects soil from erosion
  • Alleviate surface compaction and increase water infiltration rates 

Rotational Grazing

  • Improves soil health by creating a healthy ecosystem of soil organisms,fungi, and animals
  • Improves nutrient recycling and protects soil from erosion
  • Deep roots increase water infiltration and improve water quality
Soil Health Partners and Resources

USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Pennsylvania No-till Alliance

Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA)

Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE)
We All Live Downstream