Which management practices influence soil health in Midwest organic corn systems?

Fostering and maintaining soil health via holistic management is a central goal for most organic farmers. However, many questions remain regarding how different management practices influence soil health in farm fields. In this study, we used a mail‐in soil survey to assess how organic management practices such as crop diversity, perennials in rotation, tillage, manure use, and subscription to soil cation balancing influence soil biochemical health indicators in certified organic corn (Zea mays L.) fields. Organic farmers (n = 195) from the eastern Corn Belt mailed in soil along with a completed management survey to a research lab for analysis. Soils were analyzed for mineralizable carbon (C), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), soil protein, texture, and routine soil nutrient analyses. Soil texture had the largest influence on soil biochemical health indicators, underscoring the need to consider soil type with soil health assessments. Crop diversity was negatively correlated with mineralizable C, soil C, and soil nitrogen (N) (r = –.19 to –.24) at p