Soil Health Principles
Essentially, all life depends upon the soil… There can be no life without soil and no soil without life; they have evolved together.
- Charles E. Kellogg
A robust soil ecosystem, rich in essential nutrients, organic matter, and microbial diversity, is crucial for fostering optimal plant growth and resilience against pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, healthy soil plays a pivotal role in water retention and filtration, mitigating the impact of droughts and floods while preventing soil erosion and nutrient runoff. Sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize soil health not only ensure bountiful harvests but also safeguard the long-term viability of our ecosystems, making it an imperative foundation for a nourished and thriving planet.
Minimize Disturbance
Limited physical, biological, and chemical disturbance preserves the integrity of the soil structure, prevents erosion, and fosters the growth of beneficial microorganisms. The undisturbed soil retains moisture and nutrients, leading to improved soil health and fertility over time. Adoption of no-till practices creates a more resilient and productive agricultural system while enhancing the overall health of the land.
Maximize Soil Cover
Maintainance of a protective layer of organic matter such as cover crops, mulch, or crop residues over the soil surface. Keeping the soil covered controls wind and water erosion prevents moisture evaporation, suppresses weed growth, moderates soil temperature, and increases soil life. Soil cover promotes nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration and nurtures the long-term health of the land, fostering a harmonious cycle of nourishment that supports both present and future generations.
Maintain Living Roots
Living roots contribute to soil structure by preventing erosion, improving water retention, and enhancing nutrient cycling. Microbes that have access to living plant material (commodity crops, cover crops, or foraging crops) ensure soils are more productive. Plant roots put out various compounds, known as root exudates, that support a diverse microbial community in the rhizosphere, leading to improved soil fertility and nutrient availability. The presence of living roots year-round helps sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Maintain a living root system throughout the year to ensure soils are highly productive.
Maximize Diversity
Plant and animal diversity enhances ecosystem function and increases soil health. A diverse array of plant species cultivates a more resilient and sustainable agroecosystem. Varied plants contribute to healthier soil by enhancing nutrient cycling, reducing erosion, and preventing pest outbreaks through natural mechanisms. Additionally, diverse plant cover nurtures a richer web of beneficial microorganisms, bolstering soil health and fertility. Diverse crops and cover crops offer habitat and sustenance to beneficial insects and pollinators, fostering ecological balance and reducing the necessity for synthetic pesticides.
Integrate Livestock
Well-managed grazing recycles nutrients through improved manure distribution, reduces plant selectivity, and increases plant diversity. Livestock contributes to soil health by providing nutrient-rich manure that enhances soil fertility and microbial diversity, thus promoting better water retention and nutrient cycling. Through managed rotational grazing, livestock plays a crucial role in maintaining balanced ecosystems, preventing overgrazing, and promoting the growth of diverse plant species. Their presence also aids in weed and pest control, reducing the need for synthetic inputs.