From Soil to Stream
How Soil Health Impacts the Cannon River Watershed and What We Can Do to Protect It
Imagine a field where every step you take feels like a soft cushion beneath your feet, the air smells earthy, and the plants are lush. This is what healthy soil looks like. When I moved to Northfield for college, I couldn’t help but –notice just how alive the soil around the Cannon River felt compared to my hometown in Illinois—though I didn’t fully appreciate it until I got caught in a rainstorm. I’d headed out for a brisk March walk in Carleton College’s arboretum when—surprise!—the sky opened up and absolutely drenched me. But it wasn’t just the raindrops pelting me that got my attention. As I squelched my way back to campus proper, the rich smell of damp earth, paired with flashes of bright green from the newly sprouted spring bulbs hit me just as hard as the rain. Yet, not all soil in the Cannon River Watershed is this way, and its condition impacts much more than just the plants growing above it.
What is Soil?
When you think of soil, you might picture the dirt in a potted plant, a farm field, or a garden bed. But soil is much more than just the substance beneath your lawn. It’s a complex, multi-layered system that forms the foundation for life on Earth.
So, let’s dig a little deeper (pun intended). Soil has distinct layers, each serving a specific purpose. (1) The topsoil is rich in organic material and is where plant roots grow and take up nutrients. Beneath that lies the subsoil, containing minerals and nutrients that feed into the topsoil over time. Finally, the bedrock lies at the base, anchoring the soil and slowly releasing minerals as it weathers. Together, these layers support a thriving ecosystem, providing habitat for both visible life and an invisible world of microorganisms.
That’s right—when you stand on soil, you’re actually standing on a living system. It’s alive! Sort of. Trillions of microbes, fungi, insects, and worms make their home here, forming a network that breaks down organic matter and feeds nutrients back into the soil. (2) This complex community supports the plants and animals that depend on soil for food and shelter.
Soil is also a crucial player in carbon storage, helping keep our environment in balance. It holds a large amount of carbon, capturing it from the atmosphere and storing it underground. (3) This storage process helps mitigate climate change, keeping carbon out of the atmosphere where it would contribute to global warming.
What Makes Soil Healthy?
Soil is more than just a jumble of particles; it’s a complex ecosystem that provides plants with the essential resources they need to thrive. In healthy soil, plants can thrive without added fertilizers, as the soil cycles nutrients naturally through decomposing organic matter. Soil microorganisms decompose organic material and convert it into nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other key nutrients plants require. Nitrogen supports leafy growth, phosphorus strengthens roots, and potassium enhances disease resistance, while secondary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur play vital roles in cellular structure, chlorophyll production, and protein synthesis respectively. (4)
Soil structure also plays a critical role in plant health. Soil particles clump together in formations called aggregates, creating tiny pockets that hold both air and water. (5) This structure helps soil store moisture and nutrients and makes it easier for roots to grow and access them. When soil lacks this structure, these spaces disappear, and soil loses its ability to retain water, nutrients, and air, affecting the plants above it. Good soil structure is consequently fundamental to maintaining plant health and resilience.
Why Does Soil Health Matter to Water Quality?
Healthy soil is like the planet’s water filter, cleaning and storing water as it moves through the ground. As rainwater passes through soil, it picks up nutrients and impurities, and soil filters out contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and excess nutrients, preventing their entry into groundwater. (6) Soil particles attract many contaminants due to their natural charges, trapping pollutants instead of releasing them into water systems. However, some compounds, like nitrates commonly found in fertilizers, don’t bind well with soil and can leach through to rivers and streams. In areas with poor soil health, these pollutants flow into waterways like the Cannon River, affecting ecosystems downstream.
Healthy soil, with its higher organic matter, acts like a sponge, absorbing rainfall and gradually releasing moisture to plant roots and surrounding ecosystems. On the other hand, degraded or compacted soil sheds water quickly, leading to runoff that can erode soil and increase flooding risks. This erosion not only strips valuable topsoil but also transports sediment into waterways, leading to murky water, loss of aquatic habitats, and clogged river channels. These issues can escalate quickly, affecting not only our landscapes but also the quality of life along the river, where so many plants, animals, and people rely on clear, unpolluted water.
But why does this matter to our watershed?
The Cannon River watershed is a vital resource, both ecologically and culturally, for the communities, plants, and animals that call it home. This diverse landscape supports a rich array of wildlife and plant species, including the endangered Dwarf Trout Lily—a rare Minnesota plant found only within the watershed. (7) This unique biodiversity highlights just how special the watershed is as a natural haven, providing the perfect mix of soil, climate, and water conditions needed to sustain a thriving natural ecosystem. The health of this watershed directly influences the quality of life for local species, while serving as a crucial habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
For centuries, this watershed has also held deep significance for human communities, particularly the Dakota people, who view it as more than just a source of sustenance; it is a place of spiritual and cultural importance woven into their traditions and way of life. Known to the Dakota as Inyan Bosdata ("Standing Rock river"), the river and its surrounding lands have served as gathering places, sources of medicine, and routes for travel and trade. (8) This connection to the land has continued for generations, reflecting a relationship that honors the watershed’s life-giving qualities and respects its role within Dakota culture and identity.
Today, the Cannon River supports everything from local agriculture and recreational fishing to kayaking and small businesses. However, soil and water degradation put these benefits at risk. Erosion, nutrient runoff, and pollutants can diminish the soil’s ability to filter water and nourish crops, harming water quality and aquatic life. By prioritizing soil health within the watershed, we can help keep the Cannon River healthy and resilient for future generations. It’s about protecting the natural beauty, wildlife, and heritage of this area—not just for us but for all the plants, animals, and people who call it home.
How Does Agriculture Impact Our Waters?
Agriculture is vital to our communities, with farmers working hard to balance productivity and environmental stewardship. Yet, even with the best intentions, some conventional practices may have unintended effects on soil and water quality. When fertilizers or pesticides used in fields enter rivers, they can contribute to nutrient pollution, promoting algae growth that reduces oxygen in the water, posing risks to fish and other aquatic species. (9) Soil erosion can also lead to sediment runoff, which clouds river water, impacts aquatic habitats, and makes water management more challenging.
Within the Cannon River watershed, efforts to address these issues are ongoing, with many farmers exploring conservation practices that help improve soil resilience while maintaining crop productivity. These practices are vital to keeping both agricultural lands and local waterways sustainable for the future.
Photo provided by the Land Stewardship Project.
What Can We Do to Improve Soil Health?
There are a variety of sustainable practices available that can improve soil health, water quality, and long-term productivity.
Cover crops like clover, legumes, and rye can be planted between main crop cycles to reduce erosion and naturally add nutrients. (10) Cover crops retain water, reduce the need for fertilizers, and help keep soil in place, ultimately benefiting both crop productivity and water quality. Many farmers find that rotating cover crops into their fields reduces their reliance on chemical inputs and builds healthier soil over time.
Another effective strategy is reduced tillage. Minimizing soil disturbance helps maintain soil structure, preserves organic matter, and supports a rich microbial environment. (11) Intact soil retains water more effectively and is less prone to erosion. With innovations like no-till drills, reduced tillage has become more accessible, leading to lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and healthier, more resilient soil, improved crop yields, and a healthier ecosystem overall.
In addition, agroforestry—integrating trees into farmland—offers substantial benefits. Trees can reduce runoff, act as windbreaks, and increase biodiversity, enhancing soil stability and water retention. (12) They also sequester carbon, helping mitigate climate change, and can provide farmers with alternative income sources like fruit, nuts, or timber. Agroforestry supports a healthier ecosystem, where beneficial insects and other pollinators thrive, while moderating microclimates which protect crops and boost yields.
If these practices have such great benefits, why aren’t they being put in place?
Despite the benefits of these sustainable practices, several barriers hinder their adoption:
Economic Barriers: The upfront costs associated with transitioning to regenerative practices, such as new equipment and cover crop seeds, can be prohibitive. Many farmers operate on thin profit margins, leading to hesitance about adopting practices that may have uncertain returns.
Lack of Knowledge/Access: Some farmers may not be aware of these sustainable practices or lack access to proper training and education. Building farmer-to-farmer networks is essential for sharing knowledge, experiences, and successes in implementing soil health practices.
Cultural Barriers: Resistance to change can stem from ingrained farming traditions. Farmers who have relied on established methods may be wary of adopting "new" practices, even if those methods have proven effective in improving soil health and productivity.
Policy and Incentives: Government subsidies and policies often favor conventional agriculture, making it more challenging for farmers to invest in soil health initiatives. Changes in policy could better support these practices, for example, by expanding programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Addressing these barriers is crucial for fostering a more resilient and equitable agricultural system. By understanding the economic, educational, cultural, and policy-related obstacles, we can better support each other in adopting practices that protect our watershed and enhance the productivity of their lands for generations to come.
What Can You Do to Protect Our Watershed?
Protecting the soil and water health in the Cannon River Watershed is a joint effort, where everyone—from farmers and local organizations to community members—can make a major impact. Here are some steps to take action:
Get Involved with Sustainable Farming Initiatives - One of the most impactful ways to protect our watershed is by supporting sustainable farming practices. Clean River Partners (CRP) collaborates closely with farmers in the Cannon River watershed to implement practices that reduce soil erosion and improve water quality while also maintaining farm productivity. For example, CRP’s Farmers Protecting Bridgewater Streams program works with local farmers to establish buffer strips and cover crops, significantly reducing runoff into streams and maintaining soil structure on farmlands.
Advocate for Perennial Agriculture - CRP is a leading advocate for perennial crops, which protect soil year-round and prevent erosion, as part of their Kernza Development initiative. Kernza, a deep-rooted perennial grain, not only improves soil health but also enhances carbon sequestration and water retention, addressing both local and global environmental issues. Supporting farmers who implement these crops, or even purchasing products made from Kernza, can make a difference.
Support Conservation Agriculture Practices - Conservation agriculture techniques—such as cover cropping, no-till, and rotational grazing—are essential for improving soil health and water quality. Through the Cannon River Agricultural Collaborative (CRAC), CRP connects farmers, environmentalists, and researchers to promote regenerative practices that restore soil vitality and reduce pollution. CRAC’s initiatives provide training and resources for farmers to shift to these methods and also offer platforms for farmer-to-farmer learning, which helps overcome barriers to adoption.
Promote Soil and Water Conservation Policies - Local policy change is key to creating lasting support for sustainable agriculture. By advocating for programs and policies that incentivize soil health practices, you can help create a more supportive environment for conservation farming. Encouraging elected officials to support such policies can have significant benefits for local watersheds.
Resources and Next Steps
If you’re interested in supporting sustainable agriculture and watershed protection, consider exploring these resources:
Clean River Partners: CRP hosts a variety of programs, events, and volunteer opportunities focused on soil and water conservation in the Cannon River Watershed.
Farm Conservation Programs: Programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offer financial support to farmers who implement soil and water-retention practices, making it possible for farmers to adopt these methods without sacrificing income.
Educational Workshops and Community Events: CRP and other conservation organizations host regular workshops that cover best practices in soil health, sustainable agriculture, and watershed management. Attending these can deepen your understanding and provide hands-on ways to support these initiatives.
Together, we can support efforts to restore and protect the Cannon River Watershed. From small, local actions to policy advocacy and incorporating sustainable farming practices, every effort adds up. By working collectively, we help sustain the watershed’s ecosystems, support local farmers, and ensure clean water for future generations.
About the Author
Ava McQuain is a Communications Specialist with Clean River Partners, where she’s been working for the past year through Carleton College's CCCE Community-Based Work Study program. Originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Ava is now pursuing a double major in Biology and Studio Arts at Carleton. Her love for the outdoors fuels her passion for environmental policy, and she hopes to work in the environmental field, possibly abroad, to drive meaningful change. When she's not hiking Midwest trails, Ava enjoys gardening, baking, creating art, and spending time with her beloved cat, Forrest, and dog, Daisy.