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Resources from the Virginia Soil Health Coalition

The Virginia Soil Health Coalition strengthens and supports a broad, collaborative network that improves and expands soil health across the state. Whether cropland, grazing land, turfgrass, or a backyard gardensoil health is important for all landscapes. We are excited for our growing partnership with the Virginia Turfgrass Council and Environmental Institute. A healthy soil ecosystem and thriving turfgrass exist in a symbiotic relationship, where the soil provides essential nutrients and support, while the turfgrass contributes organic matter and stabilizes the soil.

Interested in learning more about soil health and how you can incorporate best management practices into your work? The Coalition has a variety of educational resources from podcasts to videos to publications.

Visit our resources page at www.virginiasoilhealth.org/resources to peruse more.

Resource Categories Include

Books & Publications

Soil is the foundation of all terrestrial ecosystems. By reading about soil health, you gain a deeper appreciation for its vital role in supporting plant growth, water filtration, and biodiversity. We recommend several books and publications that look at soil health from a variety of perspectives.

Podcasts

Many of our podcasts feature leading researchers, farmers, and scientists who provide a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives. We even produce our own podcast, “4 The Soil: A Conversation” that comes out every two weeks.

Technical Assistance

Not sure where to start on your soil health journey? This list of technical assistance resources can help you customize soil health solutions and assess specific situations, considering factors like soil type, evaluating specific practices, and soil testing.

Websites

Find links to other organizations engaged in soil health research and outreach.

Videos and Movies

Videos can effectively demonstrate soil health principles and make it easier to understand and visualize these practices. Many of these resources showcase real-world examples of people successfully implementing soil health practices, providing inspiration and practical guidance.

Urban Soil Assistance

Building soil health is critical for our urban and suburban landscapes. Learn more about connections, cost-share programs, and other resources that offer a range of valuable benefits for urban residents and environments. Healthy urban soils can absorb and filter rainwater, reducing runoff, mitigate flooding, improve air quality, and contribute to the creation of more green spaces making for stronger and more resilient communities.

There currently is a gap on our resources page and we need your help to fill it! We would love to add soil health information that is specific to turfgrass management. If you have any resources to share with us please send them to the Virginia Soil Health Coalition Director, Mary Sketch Bryant at msketch2@vt.edu.