Join the Greenbelt Foundation's Free Soil Health Testing Program
This program enables farmers to measure and evaluate the impact of different beneficial management practices (BMPs) on soil health. Farmers know healthy soils are key to improving farm productivity and profitability, while at the same time sequestering carbon, improving biodiversity, and supporting ecosystem health. But we can’t ask farmers to manage what they can’t measure. By providing the ability to track and measure soil health, farmers can make informed decisions about which practices are right for their farm. This can lead to increased yields, reduced input costs, improved water holding capacity, and increased carbon sequestration, among other benefits.
Program Overview
The Greenbelt Foundation and soil scientists at the Soil Health Institute are working together with Ontario agricultural partners to develop an interpretable, scalable, locally relevant method for evaluating and monitoring soil health.
This will enable farmers to:
- Evaluate their current soil health compared to similar soils in their region.
- Understand how much healthier their soil can be.
- Measure and track the impact of different management practices on soil health.
The program intends to sample 300-500 farms over the course of the program, and all soil testing, education, and support services are offered free to farmers. This is a great opportunity for farmers to have their soil health measured and to receive support in improving the health of their soil, which can have a positive impact on a farm's productivity and profitability. The program is designed to provide farmers with valuable information and resources to help them manage their soil sustainably and to support the advancement of soil health assessment in Ontario.
Program Availability
This opportunity is open to grain and oilseed farmers throughout the Golden Horseshoe region.
Hamilton, Halton and Peel.
Niagara, York, and Durham.
Participation Details
A short call
A representative from the Greenbelt Foundation will contact you to determine if your farm is a good fit for the study. This call will provide an opportunity for you to learn more about the program and ask any questions you may have.
A visit to your farm
A Greenbelt Foundation representative will visit your farm in the spring, at a mutually agreed-upon time, to collect soil samples.
A short discussion
You will be asked to participate in a short call to provide information about your soil management history. This typically takes about 30 minutes, and you will be asked to provide information about the types of crops you grow and the management practices you use on your farm.
Benefits of Participation
A comprehensive soil health report
Participants will receive soil health data and locally relevant soil health interpretations to understand the results and set achievable soil health goals.
Measurements that reflect overall soil function for carbon cycling and storage, water cycling and storage, and nutrient cycling
This information will provide valuable insights into the current state of your soil and help you identify areas for improvement.
One-on-one support
You will receive one-on-one support from a Soil Health Specialist who can help you set goals and overcome barriers.
Data privacy guarantee
The Greenbelt Foundation values the privacy of your data, and you can be assured that your information will be protected.
Be part of an innovative project
By participating in this program, you will be a part of an innovative project that is working to advance soil health assessment in Ontario. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of new methods for evaluating and monitoring soil health and to help improve soil health for all farmers in the region.
Contact Information
Ryan Carlow, Soil Health Specialist
[email protected]
(416) 960-0001 Ext. 306
Funding & Support
This project is funded and supported by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative and the Government of Ontario.
The program is a collaborative effort between the Greenbelt Foundation, the Soil Health Institute, and several Ontario agricultural organizations including Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Soils at Guelph, and the Ontario Certified Crop Advisor Association. The Greenbelt Foundation recognizes the importance of investing in soil health to ensure a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector that feeds Ontarians into the future. By working together, we are helping to build a more sustainable future for farmers and the agricultural community.
