Pilot 1: Perennials (Almonds) — Soil Health + Recharge

This pilot explores how soil health practices in perennial systems can enhance groundwater recharge while supporting farm resilience and ecosystem health.

Outcomes

• Insights into synergies between soil health and groundwater recharge

• Volumetric water savings*

Co-Benefits

• Improved water and air quality

• Greenhouse gas and climate benefits

• Biodiversity enhancement

• Social and equity co-benefits

Partners
 Sustainable Conservation, American Farmland Trust, General Mills, Google, Ag Innovations; participating farmers

Pilot 2: Perennials — Whole Orchard Recycling + Manure

This pilot evaluates the combined use of Whole Orchard Recycling (WOR) and manure amendments to improve soil health and fertility, water retention, and long-term orchard performance.

Focus

• Increasing soil fertility and offsetting synthetic fertilizer inputs

• Building soil organic matter and structure

• Improving water-holding capacity and resilience in perennial systems

Partners
Sustainable Conservation, American Farmland Trust, General Mills, Ag Innovations, and participating farmers.

Pilot 3: Annuals (Alliums, Tomatoes) — Biochar (+ Compost)

This pilot examines soil health strategies in annual cropping systems to improve water efficiency and climate resilience.

Outcomes

• Insights into synergies between soil health, water resilience, and efficiency

• Volumetric water savings

Co-Benefits

• Improved water and air quality

• Greenhouse gas and climate benefits

• Biodiversity enhancement

• Social and equity co-benefits

Partners
American Farmland Trust, Sustainable Ag Network / large CPG, Bowles, Olam Food Ingredients, Sustainable Conservation, General Mills, Ag Innovations; others TBD