Why Healthy Soil Matters

Soil is more than just dirt; it's a complex living ecosystem crucial for life on Earth.

Functions of Healthy Soil:

• Food Production: Provides nutrients, water, and support for plant growth.
• Water Regulation: Absorbs and filters water, preventing floods and droughts, recharging groundwater.
• Carbon Storage: Healthy soils store vast amounts of carbon, helping regulate climate.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Hosts a huge diversity of microorganisms, fungi, insects, and other life.
• Nutrient Cycling: Decomposes organic matter and cycles essential nutrients.

Threats:

• Erosion, compaction, pollution, loss of organic matter due to intensive agriculture, deforestation, and development.

Sustainable farming practices (like cover cropping, no-till, composting) are vital for maintaining soil health.