Maryland’s Healthy Soils Program was established in 2017 through HB 1063 with goals “to (1) improve the health, yield, and profitability of the soils of the State; (2) increase biological activity and carbon sequestration in the soils of the State by promoting practices based on emerging soil science, including planting mixed cover crops, adopting no-till or low-till farming practices, and rotation grazing; and (3) promote widespread use of healthy soils practices among farmers in the State.”
HB 1063 directs the Dept. of Agriculture to “provide incentives, including research, education, technical assistance, and, subject to available funding, financial assistance to farmers.” It defines “healthy soils” as “the continuing capacity of soil to (i) function as a biological system; (ii) increase soil organic matter; (iii) improve soil structure and water and nutrient holding capacity; and (iv) sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”