Moving to organic, step by step
Changing a conventional operation to organic is a big shift. Inputs change, fertility has to come from the soil instead of a bag, and the way you handle weeds, pests, and records changes too. Soil Solutions works with growers through that shift so it happens in an order that makes sense for your ground, your crops, and your budget.
Most transitions start by understanding the soil you have. From there we build a plan that leans on compost, cover crops, biological amendments, and rotation to rebuild fertility, and we help you think through which fields to move first. Under the USDA organic rules, land generally needs three years without prohibited substances before a crop can be sold as certified organic, so planning early pays off.
Setting up a new organic operation
If you are starting from bare ground, we help you lay out the whole system: where beds, fields, and pastures go, how water moves across the site, where compost is made, and how equipment and people get around. Because we also do dirt work, the same team that designs the layout can help with soil preparation and site work to get you up and running.
Once things are in place, we stay involved to fine-tune. A farm that runs efficiently saves time and money every season, and small changes in the first year often make the biggest difference.
What working with us looks like
We start with a conversation and a site visit, then soil testing so decisions are based on real information. You get a practical plan with clear next steps, and help putting it in the ground. We work with farms, ranches, and new landowners across Northern California and Northern Nevada, from irrigated valley ground to high desert.
Getting started
Every project begins with a conversation. Tell us about your land, what you are growing or raising, and what you want to change. From there we usually recommend a site visit and, in most cases, soil testing, so the plan for organic transition & new farm setup is built on what is actually happening on your ground. You will get clear recommendations and an honest sense of what to do first, what can wait, and how our other services might fit in.
Where we offer organic transition & new farm setup
We serve Northern California and Northern Nevada, including Reno & Washoe County, NV, Carson City, Douglas & Lyon Counties, NV, Fallon, Churchill County & Elko, NV, Sacramento Valley, CA, Sierra Foothills, CA, Far Northern California, and the North Coast: Sonoma & Mendocino, CA.
Frequently asked questions
How long does organic transition take?
Under the USDA organic regulations, land generally must have had no prohibited substances applied for three years before harvest of a crop sold as organic. Many growers use those transition years to build soil fertility, set up rotations, and adjust their systems. Your certifying agent can confirm how the rules apply to your land.
Can I sell my crops as organic during transition?
Generally no. Crops can be sold as organic only after the land has met the transition period and the operation has completed organic certification through a USDA-accredited certifying agent. We help with the soil and systems side of transition; certification decisions are made by your certifier.
Where should I start with organic transition?
Start with soil testing and a look at your fields, water, and equipment. From there it is easier to decide which fields to move first and what changes in fertility, weed management, and record-keeping you will need.
How do I keep soil fertile without synthetic fertilizer?
Organic fertility comes mostly from building soil organic matter and biology through compost, cover crops, crop rotation, well-managed manure, and amendments allowed under the organic rules. Biological amendments can support soil life alongside these practices.
Can you help set up a new organic farm from bare ground?
Yes. We help lay out beds, fields, and pastures, plan how water moves across the site, and plan where compost is made and how equipment gets around, so the whole operation comes from one plan.