Sowing Solutions: Analysis and Recommendations for Diversified Agricultural Systems and Their Impact on Soil Carbon, Soil Health, and Crop Yields

A resilient agricultural sector is essential for food security, particularly in the face of increasing climate risks. Research demonstrates that improving soil health through sustainable agricultural practices can enhance soil organic carbon, boost crop yields, increase resilience to extreme weather events, and strengthen farm economics. However, limited research has explored the impacts of diversified agricultural systems—those that implement multiple soil health practices—on soil carbon, soil health, and productivity. This paper synthesizes findings from a comprehensive literature review evaluating the effects of diversified agricultural systems in the United States. Key trends include higher soil carbon levels in diversified systems, regionally variable effectiveness, and improvements in crop yields and soil health through enhanced drought resilience, nutrient cycling, and erosion control. Despite promising outcomes, significant knowledge gaps remain. Many studies lack baseline measurements, making it difficult to determine whether soil carbon differences are due to sequestration or reduced losses. Limited geographic and temporal data also constrain our ability to generalize findings or optimize practice combinations. To address these challenges, we propose policy recommendations which include extending participation in the CSP and the EQIP, funding regionally targeted research through USDA ARCS and NRCS, refining NRCS ranking criteria, and improving USDA data reporting. With long-term investment and policy support, diversified agricultural systems have the potential to enhance sustainability and climate resilience in U.S. agriculture.