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4. Soil Management
Considerations
New Mexico and Colorado are
characterized by ecological, social, and
economic diversity. For example, we are
subject to extremes in weather (such as floods
and droughts). We have a mixture of land and
water ownership and usage, which in some
cases can require thinking of management at a
much larger scale than a single field or pasture.
We are largely rural states, with a few large
urban centers, and we are making efforts to
bridge the urban-rural communications divide.
Different topics of land management will be of
interest in different regions and times. We have
highlighted a handful of common management
considerations and provide links to some
others. We encourage you to think of the
Healthy Soil Principles as you read about each
one. And of course, you will be the expert on
what will fit in with the land you steward.
Before you begin any management practice or
plan, you may want to start by asking, “What
are my objectives for this farm or ranch?” Most
often, it is to produce a crop or raise livestock
to be sold to make a living for oneself and
one’s family. However, there may also be other
motivators — environmental or ecological
consciousness, wildlife and fish habitat, passing
operation to next generation — to enact
practices to assure sustainable management
for multiple uses and generations.
After completing this section
you will be able to:
•
Conduct conversations focused on
outcomes rather than problems and
the appropriate management options
for the given ranch or farm
•
Explore multiple ways for reaching
desired soil health outcomes
•
Use tools to understand how
changes in soil management can
lead to changes in soil health
Learning Outcomes
Next, it’s a good idea to have a goal in mind
and to base your activity on the desired
outcome. For example, ask yourself, How
am I going to do this activity? When will
it start and end? How will I evaluate my
process and outcomes? For technical service
providers and trainers in conversation with
ranchers and farmers about prescriptive
recommendations, keeping goals in mind can
lead to deeper understanding of why shifting
approaches is important and ways changes
can be undertaken.