The Minnesota Office for Soil Health (MOSH) is a collaboration created in 2018 between the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center. Base funding is from the Clean Water Fund of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment; and the UMN Water Resources Center.

MOSH connects watershed health with a vibrant, resilient agricultural sector. We connect rigorous research to on-the-ground reality. We empower Minnesota’s farmers and advisors with the locally relevant, evidence-based tools they need to navigate the complexities of soil management. We empower government decision-makers with the data they need to deliver programs that serve Minnesotan’s interests.

Activities

Build the professional knowledge base

MOSH helps Conservation District staff and other farmer advisors to get the science-based information they need to support farmers.

  • Soil Management Summit – a unique event for farmers and their advisors, bridging proven farmer experience and applied science about reducing tillage, growing cover crops, and other soil-friendly practices in Minnesota.
  • Resources page – our list of key organizations and information sources about soil health
  • UMN Extension website – learn the latest about cover crops and and more. 
  • UMN Extension Crop News blog posts – get timely tips for managing soil health.

Research

MOSH leads unique and problem-oriented studies to understand how soil health management impacts water quality. We collaborate with researchers in multiple disciplines to ensure the University addresses practical soil health questions. 

Networks

Addressing water and agriculture involves values, science, and clever problem-solving. MOSH is in a position to bring together the diverse groups interested in soil health. Our networking goals are to

  • Share information and learning across sectors,
  • Work towards solutions based on mutual understanding,
  • Bring the expertise of farmers and government back to the University,
  • Keep the private sector a vital part of soil health conversations.

The Soil Health Action Framework was the result of intensive network building.

People

As we work to deliver research-based recommendations on soil health practices specific to Minnesota, we rely on cooperation with farmer organizations, agriculture industry, state agencies, and especially local staff of UMN-Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and NRCS.

Core staff

Support staff

Extension partners

  • Livestock integration: Gabi Bolwerk, Extension Educator, Water Resources & Soil Health
  • Soil properties; Cover crops: Bailey Tangen, Extension Educator, Water Resources & Soil Health 
  • Tillage; compaction: Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Extension Educator, Water Resources
  • And other Extension Educators specializing in cover crops, irrigation, economics, and more.

 

MOSH is advised by a Leadership Team including representatives from:

  • The University of Minnesota, Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources.