The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) was established following the passage of the Healthy Soil Act in 2019. The purpose of the program is to promote and support farming, ranching, and land management practices that increase soil organic matter, improve soil structure and microbiology, enhance water retention, and strengthen the long-term health, productivity, and profitability of New Mexico’s soils. These outcomes are achieved through grant-funded projects that support practical, on-the-ground soil health improvements.
Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District (DASWCD) has actively participated in the Healthy Soils Program in multiple roles, serving both as an Eligible Entity and as a sponsoring organization for Individual applicants.
Eligible Entity – Cover Crop Program
Beginning in 2024, DASWCD implemented a cover crop project as an Eligible Entity under the Healthy Soils Program. This effort was initially coordinated in partnership with the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) to support producers participating in the Ground Water Conservation Program, integrating soil health practices with groundwater conservation objectives.
In 2025, DASWCD separated the ISC cover crop effort from the Healthy Soils Program project due to timing and administrative constraints specific to the ISC program. This allowed each program to operate independently while maintaining complementary conservation goals.
Currently, approximately 350 acres are participating in the DASWCD Healthy Soils Program cover crop project, and 7 producers are participating in the ISC cover crop program.
Individual Projects
DASWCD has also supported local producers through the Healthy Soils Program – Individual Projects track by serving as a sponsor and technical partner. Individual projects supported through this program include:
- Crane’s Landing
- Backyard Farms
These projects reflect a range of soil health practices tailored to local agricultural operations and demonstrate the adaptability of Healthy Soils Program initiatives across different scales and production systems.
For more information about the statewide Healthy Soils Program, visit:
https://nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/healthy-soil-program.html
