About
Soil health, often referred to as soil quality, is the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital, living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.
Rather than viewing dirt as just a lifeless medium to hold plant roots, the concept of soil health recognizes that soil is teeming with billions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. A healthy soil balances three key components:
- Biological: A thriving food web of earthworms, insects, fungi, and bacteria.
- Chemical: Optimal pH levels and a rich supply of accessible nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
- Physical: Good soil structure and texture that allows roots to grow easily and lets air and water move through it.