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Improving soil performance to increase farm profitability

Healthier soils delivered stronger yields and incomes
For almost a decade, Guo Zhili struggled to improve productivity on her farm in Jixiaohe Village, Weixian County, China. Despite increasing fertiliser applications year after year, cotton yields remained largely unchanged. At the same time, the condition of her soil steadily worsened, becoming compacted, dry, and increasingly difficult to manage.
Concerned about the long-term future of her farm and household income, Guo began exploring alternative approaches that could restore soil productivity without relying solely on higher chemical inputs. Through programme training and field guidance, she introduced practical changes that improved soil condition, strengthened crop performance, and increased profitability.

Key outcomes

  • %

    increase in farm income

  • Improved soil structure and moisture retention

  • Better understanding of beneficial insects and pest management

The challenge

Like many farmers in the region, Guo had become heavily dependent on fertilisers to maintain crop productivity. Over time, however, the soil became less responsive despite increasing input use. The land gradually lost its natural structure and moisture-holding capacity, making cultivation more difficult and reducing overall field performance. Yields stagnated, and the additional cost of fertilisers placed growing pressure on farm profitability.

At the same time, limited awareness around ecological pest management and safe pesticide practices meant opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce environmental stress were often overlooked.

Without improvements to soil health, Guo feared farming would become increasingly unsustainable for her household.

 

 

 

 

The approach

Through training activities and field-level support, Guo learned practical techniques aimed at restoring soil condition and improving decision-making on the farm. She began identifying beneficial insects alongside crop pests, applying crop rotation practices, improving pesticide handling and on-farm safety measures, and reducing overreliance on chemical-based solutions.

The training helped her better understand how healthier soil systems and balanced field ecosystems contribute to stronger crop performance over time. Rather than focusing only on short-term yield gains, the approach encouraged more sustainable farm management practices that supported long-term productivity.

 

 

As soil conditions improved, Guo began seeing noticeable changes across the farm.

The impact

Improved soil performance

The soil gradually became softer, more workable, and better able to retain moisture. Stronger soil structure supported healthier crop growth and reduced some of the physical challenges involved in managing the land. These improvements also contributed to more stable crop development throughout the growing season.

Higher farm income

With improved crop performance and more efficient field management, Guo’s farm income increased by approximately 30%. The changes provided greater financial stability for her household while reducing some of the pressure created by years of stagnant productivity.

Greater confidence in farm management

The knowledge gained through training gave Guo more confidence in making day-to-day decisions around pest management, soil care, and input use. Understanding the role of beneficial insects and healthier farming ecosystems also changed how she viewed crop protection and long-term soil management. Access to practical training and ongoing learning opportunities gave her greater confidence in managing her farm and encouraged her to share her experiences with neighbouring farmers interested in improving their own practices.

“My income increased by 30% and the soil is much healthier now.”

Guo Zhili, Cotton Farmer, China

Looking ahead

Healthier soil has become the foundation for stronger productivity on Guo’s farm. What once felt like a cycle of increasing inputs and limited returns has shifted toward a more balanced and manageable farming system.

As awareness around soil health continues to grow, practical approaches such as crop rotation, ecological pest management, and improved safety practices are helping farmers build more productive farms while reducing pressure on land and resources.