Soil health is important for agricultural productivity and environmental protection but U.S. policy does not adequately recognize its value. The author argues for creating a federal crop insurance pilot program that offers premium discounts for those using cover crops to improve soil health, as this would decrease risks and costs while providing environmental benefits such as reduced erosion and increased carbon sequestration.

1. THE VALUE OF SOIL IN U.S. POLICY
LARA BRYANT
NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL

3. Image: USDA

4. Soil Health 101: Principles
Keep soil covered
Minimize disturbance
Increase plant diversity
Keep living roots growing year round
Integrate livestock into the system

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TotalPayout($Billions)
Year
Federal Crop Insurance Indemnities

7. Next Step - Create crop insurance
pilot program that offers a
premium discount for cover crop
use
Improved Soil Health Decreases Risk

8. Environmental Benefits

9. E-MAIL:
LBRYANT@NRDC.ORG
TWITTER:
@LARASBRYANT