Legal Definitions - soil bank

Definition: Soil bank is a program run by the federal government that pays farmers to not grow crops or to grow noncommercial vegetation. The purpose of this program is to preserve the quality of the soil and stabilize commodity prices by avoiding surpluses.

Example: A farmer who participates in the soil bank program may choose to plant cover crops, such as clover or rye, instead of their usual cash crops. These cover crops help to prevent erosion and improve soil health, which can lead to better yields in future growing seasons.

Explanation: By paying farmers to not grow crops or to grow noncommercial vegetation, the soil bank program helps to reduce the amount of land that is used for farming. This can help to prevent soil erosion and other forms of soil degradation, which can have negative impacts on crop yields and the environment. Additionally, by avoiding surpluses, the program can help to stabilize commodity prices and ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops.