Longevity is a hallmark with an asparagus crop, and once the plants are in the soil they can keep producing for 20 years or more. Preparing for the perennial crop to remain productive for such a long stretch is imperative, and it all begins with increasing the organic matter in soil before the asparagus roots take hold. During a March 17 webinar on asparagus production hosted by Penn State Extension, Carl Cantaluppi, a commercial asparagus expert and retired North Carolina State Extension agent, said good organic matter allows roots to grow deep and water to percolate through the soil structure for the long term.