Why does the biological health of soils matter?

Why does the biological health of soils matter?

Around 30% of global soils are estimated to be moderately to highly degraded, largely due to human activities such as urbanisation, industrialisation, deforestation and intensive agricultural practices. This is a critical concern given that nearly 95% of global food production depends directly or indirectly on soil.

Healthy soils provide crops with essential nutrients, water, oxygen and structural support. When soils are degraded, these functions are compromised, resulting in reduced crop yield and quality. At the heart of soil health lies its biological component: the diverse community of microorganisms and fauna that drive key ecosystem processes.

Understanding and measuring soil biological health is therefore essential. A new publication, Measuring and Assessing the Biological Health of Soils, presents state-of-the-art methods for evaluating soil life, including DNA-based techniques, quantitative PCR and enzyme assays. These approaches enable more precise assessment of soil biodiversity and function.

Biological indicators such as microbial biomass, enzyme activity and soil organic carbon provide insight into processes like nutrient cycling and organic matter transformation. Soil microorganisms, particularly in the rhizosphere, play a vital role in plant nutrition through mechanisms such as nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilisation.

Advances in both laboratory and field-based assessment tools now allow farmers, researchers and policymakers to monitor soil biological health more effectively. These innovations support better-informed soil management decisions, helping to maintain productive, resilient agricultural systems and safeguard long-term food security.

＼ Get the latest news ／