Soil health

Soil health refers to the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. This definition speaks to the importance of managing soils so they are sustainable for future generations. To maintain soil health, the soil must have the ability to function as intended within the ecosystem boundaries.

Definition

The term "soil health" is used to describe the state of the soil in sustaining plant and animal productivity, maintaining or enhancing water and air quality, and promoting plant and animal health. This is achieved by managing the use and protection of soil in a manner that maintains its ability to support human habitation and the world's ecosystems.

Importance

Soil health is critical for all aspects of life. It plays a key role in the growth of plants, the quality of air and water, the cycling of nutrients, and the survival of animals and humans. Healthy soil provides essential nutrients to plants, holds water, and controls the flow of air and water through the landscape. It also serves as a habitat for billions of organisms, contributing to biodiversity.

Indicators

Indicators of soil health include soil organic matter, total nitrogen, pH, and water holding capacity. Other indicators include the presence of soil organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms. These indicators can be measured in the field or in the lab, and they provide information about the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil.

Management

Management practices that improve soil health include the use of cover crops, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and organic amendments. These practices can increase soil organic matter, improve soil structure, enhance soil fertility, and reduce soil erosion. They can also increase the resilience of the soil to stresses such as drought and disease.

Challenges

Challenges to soil health include soil erosion, compaction, nutrient imbalance, pollution, and climate change. These challenges can degrade the soil, reduce its ability to function, and threaten its sustainability. To address these challenges, it is necessary to adopt sustainable soil management practices and to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of soil health.

See also

• Soil degradation
• Soil conservation
• Sustainable agriculture
• Organic farming