Healthy and sustainable soils

Rich Biodiversity: Healthy soils have a diverse community of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and earthworms, which contribute to nutrient cycling and soil structure.

Good Structure: They have a stable structure that allows for proper water infiltration and retention, as well as good root penetration.

Balanced pH Levels: The pH level of soil affects nutrient availability and the life of soil organisms. Healthy soils have a pH suitable for the plants that are to be grown in it.

Nutrient Content: They contain essential nutrients for plant growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a range of micro-nutrients.

Organic Matter: Healthy soils have high levels of organic matter, which improves soil structure, water holding capacity, and nutrient content.

Food Security: They are essential for producing healthy crops and thus are a cornerstone of global food security.

Climate Change Mitigation: Soils are a major carbon sink; maintaining and improving soil health can contribute to sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gases.

Water Quality: Healthy soils filter water, reducing pollutants entering waterways.

Resilience to Extreme Weather: Well-structured soils are more resilient to the impacts of extreme weather events like droughts and floods.

Erosion: Wind and water can erode soil, particularly where plant cover is sparse.

Compaction: Heavy machinery and overgrazing can compact soil, reducing its porosity and ability to hold water and support root growth.

Contamination: Pesticides, heavy metals, and other pollutants can contaminate soil, harming soil organisms and plant life.

Overuse of Chemicals: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers can disrupt the natural nutrient cycles and soil organism communities.

Loss of Organic Matter: Practices that reduce organic matter, such as not returning crop residues to the field, can degrade soil health.

Conservation Tillage: Reducing tillage to maintain soil structure and reduce erosion.

Cover Crops: Planting cover crops to protect soil from erosion, improve soil structure, and enhance nutrient cycling.

Crop Rotation: Rotating crops to improve soil fertility and break cycles of pests and diseases.

Organic Amendments: Adding compost or manure to increase organic matter content.

Integrated Nutrient Management: Using a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers to meet plant nutrient needs while minimizing impacts on soil health.

Contour Farming and Terracing: Farming practices that follow the natural contours of the land to reduce erosion.

Agroforestry: Integrating trees into agricultural systems to protect soil and provide additional benefits such as shade and windbreaks.