Soil Carbon & Health: Today’s Practices Can Pay Off Tomorrow
There’s an old saying that still rings true on every farm: “Take care of the soil, and the soil will take care of you.” It’s more than a saying. For many farmers, it’s how they approach every acre, every season.
Across the countryside, farmers are already putting that belief into practice. Cover crops are going in. Tillage is getting lighter. Nutrient applications are being fine-tuned. These decisions improve yields, protect the ground and make the soil stronger over time.
Now there’s another way these efforts can be supported monetarily – through soil carbon programs.
|
These programs don’t require you to change your entire approach, but they often look for new or expanded practices. They’re designed to support what you’re already doing and help you build on it if you’re ready to take the next step.
What You’re Already Doing Counts
When you plant cover crops or reduce tillage, you’re doing more than protecting your topsoil. You’re increasing organic matter and helping the soil hold more carbon. Soil carbon programs track these improvements and, in some cases, offer financial support based on the progress made.
This isn’t about adopting a brand-new system. If you’ve already adjusted practices to improve your soil, you may already qualify.
Which Practices Might Qualify?
Every farm is different, but here are some of the common changes that may count toward eligibility:
• First-time use of cover crops on a field
• Moving from conventional tillage to reduced or no-till
• Changing when and how nutrients are applied
• Adding rotation diversity or building in more residue cover
• Applying conservation practices on new or recently rented acres
If the practice is new to the field or is a meaningful improvement, it could meet the requirements of a soil carbon program.
Two Trusted Options for Soil Carbon Support
Compeer Financial partners with two respected companies in the carbon market, each with its own approach. Both support soil-building practices and are focused on long-term land stewardship.
Carbon by Indigo
This program helps farmers track soil improvements and turn them into verified carbon credits. Those credits are sold to companies looking to support agriculture-based sustainability efforts. Indigo pays farmers based on results and offers digital tools and support to guide the process. It’s a good option if you’re interested in participating in the broader carbon marketplace.
Soil and Water Outcomes Fund
Also known as SWOF, this program takes a more direct route. Instead of carbon credits, it offers per-acre payments based on the environmental benefits your farm produces. That includes soil health, water quality and other outcomes. SWOF works with partners that want to invest in conservation and provides farmers with a clear, straightforward path to participate.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Both programs are expected to open enrollment this summer. If you’ve made conservation changes recently or are planning to soon, this is a good time to see what might qualify. Often, it doesn’t take a complete overhaul. One or two small adjustments may be all you need to get started.
Let’s Talk About What Comes Next
Building healthy soil is not a one-time fix. It’s a process that evolves season after season. If you’ve already started that journey, you may now be able to receive support for the work you’re doing. Whether it’s cover crops on new acres or fine-tuning your tillage plan, the right program can help you continue making progress. To explore our partner-programs, visit Compeer’s carbon market page. Or – watch the recording of our recent carbon markets webinar, where we broken down the latest offerings available with Compeer.
Your soil is already working for you. Let’s make sure it keeps working harder and smarter for the years ahead.