Demonstrating Real-World Economic & Soil Benefits of Cover Crops and Alternative Tillage
Redwood Soil & Water Conservation District, Ramsey Creek Watershed, Redwood County, MN
Project Overview
For three years, the Redwood Soil and Water Conservation District conducted a first-of-its-kind, side-by-side field study in the Ramsey Creek Watershed of Redwood County, Minnesota. The goal was simple but powerful: put soil health practices to the test in real-world farm conditions and measure both soil health and economic outcomes.
The study compared more than 4,000 acres of farmland—half managed with soil health practices like reduced tillage and cover crops, and half managed with conventional tillage methods. By working directly with local farmers and measuring changes in the soil over time, the project created a clear picture of what’s possible when conservation practices are adopted at scale.
What Was Measured
Soil health indicators such as infiltration, soil structure, compaction, residue cover, and biological activity (earthworm counts).
Soil temperature and moisture using sensors placed at multiple depths throughout the growing season.
Economic outcomes including per-acre production costs, profitability, labor, and equipment savings.
Farmer perspectives, gathering on-the-ground feedback about daily management, equipment needs, and long-term impacts.
This comprehensive approach helped answer the big questions: Do soil health practices really work? Are they profitable? And how can they make farming more resilient for the future?
Key Findings
At a Glance: Results in Numbers
+32 inches/
Hour
improvement in
soil infiltration
$21-24
Per Acre
cost savings in
corn systems
2x more Earthworm
335,000 per acre vs.
174,000 in control fields
$34-38
Per Acre
cost savings in
soybean systems
45-53
PSI Reduction
in soil compaction
at key depths
Consistent Moisture Retention
even during
drought conditions
Beyond the Numbers
Farmers also reported saving time, reducing wear on equipment, and simplifying field operations—all while improving soil health. The combination of lower expenses, higher profits, and less labor makes soil health practices a smart business decision as well as an environmental one.
Real-World Proof
The project demonstrated that soil health practices not only improve soils but also help farmers manage through challenging conditions.
Weather Resilience
Throughout the drought years of 2022–2024, soil health fields retained more spring moisture and buffered against temperature extremes. Sensor data confirmed that these fields stayed cooler during the hottest parts of summer and warmer in spring compared to conventionally tilled fields. This stability created more favorable conditions for crop growth.
Farmer Experiences
Farmers participating in the study reported practical benefits beyond the numbers:
Reduced tillage passes meant lower labor and fuel costs.
Less equipment wear helped reduce maintenance expenses.
Easier field operations were noted as soil conditions improved over time.
These on-farm experiences, paired with the measured soil and economic improvements, show that adopting soil health practices can deliver real value under real-world conditions.
Because this study was conducted on working farms in Redwood County—not in test plots—its results can be applied across Minnesota’s prairies and beyond.
It shows that adopting soil health practices isn’t just theory.
It’s a proven path forward for farmers, their land, and their livelihoods.
Want to dig deeper?
This project generated a wealth of real-world data and insights on soil health practices in Redwood County.
You can explore more via the links below.
Read the Full Report (PDF)
Get the complete study results, methodology, and detailed analysis.
Access the
Raw Data
Explore the full dataset, including soil health metrics and daily sensor readings.