Soil Health

Definition

Soil health refers to the condition of soil being able to sustain plants, animals, and humans by maintaining its biological, chemical, and physical properties.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Soil health is the capacity of the soil to function as a living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. This involves the integrity of soil structure, the presence of necessary microorganisms, nutrient availability, and the chemical balance necessary to support agricultural productivity, ecological balance, and environmental quality.

Benefits

• Supports sustainable agricultural practices.
• Enhances plant growth and yield.
• Improves water infiltration and retention.
• Reduces erosion and nutrient leaching.
• Increases biodiversity in the ecosystem.

Examples

• Composting to improve organic matter in soil.
• Cover cropping to protect soil from erosion.
• Crop rotation to balance nutrient use and replenishment.

Additional Information

• Importance: Maintaining soil health is critical for sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and long-term food security. Healthy soil contributes to carbon sequestration and is a key factor in climate change mitigation.

Related Terms

• Organic Farming
• Soil Fertility
• Composting
• Erosion Control

References

• Healthy Soils for Sustainable Agriculture
• The Importance of Soil Health