Winnebago County Soil Health Challenge

Article provided by Winnebago County LWCD. Written by Sheila Smith, Agronomist

The Winnebago County Soil Health Challenge (SHC) is a program sponsored by the Winnebago County Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP).

The SHC is designed to reward participants that are willing to work with the Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) by committing a portion of their cropland to soil health principles for six years. These principles mainly include no-till planting and the use of diverse cover crops to increase soil organic matter and microbial activity that will lead to reduced soil erosion, improved water infiltration, increased carbon sequestering, and more wildlife and pollinator habitat. It will also result in healthier crops, healthier soil, and potentially better yields. The main goal of the SHC is for the farmer to educate other local producers on the methods that were used, the challenges that were faced, and the benefits that they were finding along the way.

In 2021, the Winnebago County LWCD signed contracts with two new farmers, Dave Zwicky and Todd Messerschmidt, who will begin this spring with no-till planting of their crops. Our county is very fortunate to have skilled farmers who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences with the new SHC participants and encourage their success.

Learn more about Winnebago County’s Soil Health Challenge Program: CLICK HERE