Farmers in California’s Central Valley are facing serious challenges due to declining soil health, which can hurt crop productivity, make farms less resilient to environmental changes, and decrease profits. This project is a team effort between scientists, nonprofits, and growers to improve soil health in nut orchards by applying compost and planting cover crops, which are plants grown to protect and enrich the soil. These practices were tested on over 1,000 acres across different orchards in the Central Valley of CA. Researchers collected thousands of soil samples over three years and found strong improvements in the soil’s structure, fertility, and microbial life. For example, helpful soil microbes increased, and the soil held together better, which helps reduce erosion and runoff. The amount of organic carbon in the soil, an important marker of soil health, nearly doubled. The compost also helped retain nitrogen in the soil for longer periods, reducing the risk of water pollution. Beyond the environmental sciences, NGOs are also interviewing farmers and analyzing the costs and benefits of using these practices. Even with supply chain and weather-related setbacks, the project is helping growers make informed choices and is guiding programs that support healthier, more sustainable farming in California.