UC ANR Small Farms Network

Soil and Water

Title: Managing Soils for Water: How Five Principles of Soil Health Support Water Infiltration and Storage

Source: NCAT ATTRA

Last updated: 2019

Description: This resource is a deep dive into the ecological and biophysical concepts driving the impacts of healthy soil on water conservation. The management principles of soil health are discussed and connected to potential water conservation benefits. Finally, a discussion of measurement strategies outlines the importance of measuring soil moisture and irrigation water use can help to demonstrate the benefits of healthy soil.

 

Title: Connecting Soil Health and Water in California

Source: UC Berkeley Food Institute

Last updated: 2022

Description: This policy brief provides a comprehensive background on the connections between soil health, management strategies, and water use for California agriculture. In addition to overview of agricultural water use in California and the impacts of different soil health building management practices, this resources also covers farm perceptions of water scarcity and recommendations

 

Title: How Does Building Healthy Soils Impact Sustainable Use of Water Resources in Irrigated Agriculture

Source: University of California Press

Last updated: 2022

Description: This academic literature reviews comprehensively covers the impacts of soil health management on soil water availability, water cycles, and larger water use considerations. This literature review provides a synthesis of current research that can guide a better understanding of the nuanced relationship between soil health and water use in agriculture.