Feed the plants, not the soil
Get manure, litter, and soil tested in order to calculate an appropriate application rate — feeding what the crop actually needs.
Conservation Practices
Clean Water Begins on the Farm
Never Hungry Community Gardens partners with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Tennessee Waterworks to follow conservation practices that protect our soil, livestock, neighbors, and downstream waterways.
Nine practices we follow
From soil testing to streambank fencing, every acre is managed to keep nutrients on the field and out of the water.
Prevent erosion
Use no-till or minimum-tillage practices to keep topsoil in place and out of streams.
Plant cover crops
Cover crops prevent erosion, enrich soil nutrients, and protect bare ground between cash crops.
Control feedlot runoff
Roof, berm, and divert clean water around livestock areas so manure-laden runoff never reaches waterways.
Use rotational grazing
Move animals across paddocks so pasture recovers, roots stay deep, and soil stays covered year-round.
Keep animals out of streams
Fence streams and springs; provide alternative water sources and stabilized stream crossings.
Buffer strips & grassed waterways
Limit runoff and reduce water pollution with permanent vegetative cover, buffer strips, and grassed waterways.
Proper chemical storage
Provide proper storage, secondary containment, and recycling for chemicals and fluids.
Recycle used oil & containers
Take used oil, pesticide containers, and equipment fluids to certified recycling programs.
Want to learn more about clean water on the farm?
Visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture or call to talk with a conservation specialist about practices that fit your land.