Soil Health Benchmarking

In partnership with the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition (NSHC), Maharjan Lab is collaborating to build a statewide soil health benchmarking network designed to strengthen long-term agricultural resilience. The collaboration focuses on developing science-based baseline measurements that compare cropland conditions with nearby undisturbed reference sites, helping producers track changes in soil organic matter, nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and overall soil function over time.

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With support from USDA NRCS, the effort includes launching regional hubs - beginning with a pilot site in south-central Nebraska, Hub 1 - that will serve as long-term demonstration and education locations. The partnership aims to deliver practical reports, tool, and outreach materials that enable farmers to evaluate practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage, and improved nutrient management. Together, NSHC, UNL, and conservation partners are working to create a durable, science-based model for monitoring and improving soil health across Nebraska.