Washington Soil Health Initiative

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Diverse Solutions for Washington’s Diverse Soils

The Washington Soil Health Initiative, or WaSHI, is a partnership among the Washington State Conservation Commission, the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and Washington State University, working together to establish a coordinated approach to healthy soil in Washington. Through science-based technical assistance, policy support, research, outreach, education, and funding opportunities, WaSHI offers a win-win-win opportunity for farmers, the environment, and the people of Washington.

What does WaSHI do?

Read WaSHI's most recent annual report

icons representing research, outreach and education, incentive programs and policy support

What is Soil Health?

Much like human health, soil health is a complex and dynamic system that cannot be reduced to a single definition. Just as what constitutes good health varies from person to person based on their unique needs and environment, what makes soil healthy also depends on the specific crop and region.

But generally, we look at soil health through a lens of how well a soil can support plants, animals, and humans.

Imagine the soil as the body’s vital organs—each performing essential functions to keep the entire system alive and thriving. Just as our heart pumps blood and our lungs process oxygen, healthy soils carry out crucial tasks that promote a sustainable environment and a resilient food system.

Key Soil Health Challenges in Washington

Low Soil Organic Matter

Soils with little soil organic matter are less resilient to disturbances like drought. Soil organic matter is one of the most important soil health metrics as it relates to many others and can impact each of the other soil health challenges.

Acidification

Soil acidification is when soil pH gets lower (below pH 7) over time.

Nutrient Imbalances

Nutrient imbalances are when one or more essential plant nutrients are either deficient or available in excess of what plants need at a given time.

Compaction

Compaction results from loss of soil pore space, often due to traffic from heavy equipment, particularly when the soil is wet.

Pests, Like Pathogens

Soilborne fungal and bacterial diseases and pests such as parasitic nematodes are a management challenge.

Erosion

Fertile topsoil loss through wind and water erosion is one of the greatest challenges in Washington's agriculture.

Salinity and Sodicity

Soil salinization occurs as salts accumulate in the soil, particularly in irrigated regions with low rainfall and high evapotranspiration.

Ask a Soil Scientist

Have a burning soil health question? You are in luck. WaSHI has a team of expert soil scientists who can answer some of the most challenging soil science questions.

Ask a question!