soilhealth

Soil health refers to the capacity of soil to function as a living ecosystem that sustains plants, protects water quality, cycles nutrients, and supports diverse below- and above-ground life. It emerges from the interaction of physical properties (such as soil structure, porosity, and water-holding capacity), chemical factors (nutrient availability and pH), and biological components (microbial communities, earthworms, and enzyme activity). Healthy soil promotes seedling establishment, efficient nutrient cycling, good water infiltration, reduced erosion, and resilience to droughts and floods. It is dynamic and shaped by land use, climate, and management.

Indicators and assessment of soil health include physical, chemical, and biological measures. Physical indicators cover aggregate stability, bulk density, and infiltration rate. Chemical indicators include pH, nutrient levels, and cation exchange capacity. Biological indicators involve microbial biomass and activity, enzyme activities, and populations of soil fauna. Practical assessment relies on soil tests, field observations, and simple in-situ tests such as infiltration rate and surface cover.

Management practices that enhance soil health include maintaining continuous soil cover with vegetation or residue, diverse crop rotations, and reduced or no-till farming. Adding organic matter through compost, manure, or cover crops, along with judicious nutrient management and irrigation practices, supports soil biology and structure. Other approaches include use of biochar and erosion control measures to protect soil.

Benefits of healthy soil include improved crop productivity and stability, better water infiltration and filtration, greater biodiversity, reduced erosion, and increased carbon sequestration. Overall, soil health aims for sustainable ecosystem functioning that supports food production and environmental quality.