Soil Health

Soil Health Information Main_Content ​​​ The Application Period for the 2025-2026 Program Is Now Closed The application period for Maryland's 2025-2026 Healthy Soils Competitive Fund is now closed and we are no long accepting applications. Grant award recipients will be contacted by  March 30, 2026 . ​ ​ This funding opportunity is available to Maryland farmers and organizations that work with farmers to implement innovative conservation practices. Proposals should focus on soil health management strategies and systems that: Minimize soil disturbance Maximize soil cover Enhance biodiversity Increase the presence of living roots Funding and Eligible Expenses ​ ​This competitive grant program awards selected applicants with up to $50,000 to support 3 years of enhanced soil health practices. Grant recipients will receive a portion of the funds (not to exceed 30%) upfront, with the reminder distributed annually following verification of progress. Funds may be used to support the implementation of conservation practices, including the purchase of equipment, to cover project staff  time, and to cover research costs. Applicants are encouraged to rent equipment or purchase used equipment where possible. ​Labor included in application budgets must be directly related to project implementation and should not be connected to existing activities, general farm operations, or the long-term implementation of practices. ​​ ​Types of Projects Financial assistance is available to manage conservation practices in new and innovative ways that improve soil profitability and capture carbon. You may apply for funding for more than one conservation practice. Eligible practices include: Cover Crops Conservation Tillage Pasture and Hay Planting Conservation Cover Critical Area Planting Conservation Crop Rotation Nutrient Management Integrated Pest Management Prescribed Grazing Soil Carbon Amendment The following agroforestry practices​ are also eligible for funding: Alley Cropping Hedgerow Planting Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment Silvopasture Tree and Shrub Establishment W​ho is Eligible? There are no minimum or maximum acreage requirements. Open to individual farmers or groups of farmers operating in Maryland. Individuals or organizations working with farmers in Maryland are also eligible. The agricultural operation(s) applying, or the agricultural operations partnering with an individual or organization, must have a gross annual income of $2,500 or more (or $2,500 or more of donated agricultural products if a non-profit entity) and/or manage 8 or more animal units (8,000 pounds of live animal weight). Applicants must provide proof of compliance with Maryland's nutrient management requirements at the time of application by submitting a Current Nutrient Management Plan Certification Form . If you have any questions about compliance, please contact the regional nutrient management specialist serving your county. Maryland's Healthy Soils Program Farmers in Maryland have established themselves as national leaders in on-farm conservation. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and soil health through the early and widespread adoption of conservation practices, such as cover crops and no-till farming. The Healthy Soils Program aims to enhance and expand this leadership by supporting Maryland producers who want to elevate their conservation efforts. This program encourages the adoption and testing of new and innovative conservation management practices, amplifies their credible stewardship of soil and water resources, and fosters the development of soil health knowledge within the agricultural community.​​ ​Funding for this program is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Moore Administration.​ ​ ​ Updated 1/12/26 Center_Content

Funding and Eligible Expenses ​ ​This competitive grant program awards selected applicants with up to $50,000 to support 3 years of enhanced soil health practices. Grant recipients will receive a portion of the funds (not to exceed 30%) upfront, with the reminder distributed annually following verification of progress.