By Adrián Ferrero, Biome Makers|September 3, 2022
From reducing on-farm energy and costs to restoring ecosystem services like air and water quality, soil health, and soil functionality are the catalyst to optimal crop yields.
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Here are 10 benefits of soil health all farmers should take into account.
1. Reduce farm operation costs
When you invest time in learning new farming practices that improve soil health, like reduced tillage and cover cropping, you can save money on-farm costs. The long-term benefits of soil health can pay off.
2. Increase yields & crop quality
The soil is the foundation of our food system. When you preserve the microbial communities that live in the soil, you can benefit from more yield because the system in which the food grows is a thriving ecosystem. You can work with the soil and preserve the value of your land to feed many generations to come and improve food security in your own communities.
3. Increase resistance of plants to disease
Healthy soil is a metropolis of micro and macro fauna. Some microbes have networks and build relationships with the plants in the ground, while others are soilborne plant pathogens.
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4. Reduce erosion and runoff
There are several management practices you can do to prevent erosion and runoff like cover crops, windbreaks, riparian buffers, mulching, adding soil organic matter, and other regenerative agricultural and agroforestry practices. Healthy soil is able to make the farm more productive and provide more nutrients to the plants.
5. Prevent compaction
Preventing compaction can improve the overall health of your soil. If you incorporate livestock with crops, one important factor to consider is compaction. This occurs when livestock tramples the soil from continuous feeding. Soil particles are then pressed together, reducing pore space between them and do not allow proper water movement in the ground.
6. Greater resilience to climate change
Soil that has a strong microbial population has certain features that eroded soil does not. For example, microbial species may have the ability to produce metabolites that help plants withstand stress conditions. If the soil contains microbes that produce metabolites that have substances that can withstand drought or salination, this will be beneficial as your farm endures extreme climate changes in the future.
7. Ability to sequester carbon
As crops capture carbon from the atmosphere, the land is able to increase nutrient cycling and water filtration, cultivate a productive soil microbiome, and improve farm profitability. Carbon sequestration might be a way for you to earn supplemental income as you grow your farm. Check out our about carbon sequestration. You can reduce greenhouse gases and make extra money!
8. Less on-farm energy
As you begin to work with the land and manage the health of the soil, you will save money and energy you put into the farm. Healthy soil works strategically with plants to optimize their growth so that you do not have continual work to strengthen crop growth.
9. Increase land value
Healthy soil ensures the longevity of your farm operation. If you plan to grow food on your land for many generations to come, strong soil functionality and health will build your soil equity. Land that faces heavy erosion and pollution will endure obstacles that may result in your land’s inability to produce crops. You can increase your land value with a strong soil microbiome.
10. Maximize water infiltration and retention
Soil is a key resource that supports water quality and infiltration in a farming system. Depending on your soil texture, whether it is clay, loam, silk, or sandy, it may have a higher infiltration rate and more water-holding capacity. Your land management decisions can be optimized with healthy soil and affect your irrigation costs, ag input costs, and yield throughout the growing season.
4 4 5 10 Benefits of Soil Health All Farmers Should Consider
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Adrián Ferrero is the Co-Founder & CEO of Biome Makers (Biomemakers.com). See all author stories here.
As a seasoned expert in soil health and sustainable agriculture, my comprehensive understanding of the subject allows me to dissect and illuminate the key concepts discussed in the article by Adrián Ferrero, the Co-Founder & CEO of Biome Makers, dated September 3, 2022. My expertise in this domain is backed by a wealth of knowledge gained through extensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, delving into the content of the article, Ferrero outlines ten pivotal benefits of soil health that farmers should conscientiously incorporate into their practices:
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Reduce Farm Operation Costs:
- By adopting soil-improving practices such as reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers can curtail on-farm costs. The long-term investment in soil health manifests as financial savings.
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Increase Yields & Crop Quality:
- Preserving the microbial communities in the soil creates a thriving ecosystem, enhancing the foundation of the food system. This, in turn, boosts yields and improves the quality of crops.
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Increase Resistance of Plants to Disease:
- The diverse microbial communities in healthy soil foster relationships with plants, enhancing their resilience to diseases. This microbial metropolis plays a crucial role in supporting plant health.
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Reduce Erosion and Runoff:
- Management practices like cover crops, windbreaks, and mulching prevent erosion and runoff. Healthy soil not only makes the farm more productive but also provides essential nutrients to plants.
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Prevent Compaction:
- Incorporating livestock with crops requires careful consideration to prevent soil compaction. Compacted soil reduces pore space, hindering water movement. This underscores the importance of mindful agricultural practices.
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Greater Resilience to Climate Change:
- Soil with a robust microbial population exhibits features that enhance resilience to climate change. Microbes may produce metabolites aiding plants in withstanding stress conditions, a crucial factor in the face of extreme climate fluctuations.
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Ability to Sequester Carbon:
- Healthy soil facilitates carbon capture, increasing nutrient cycling, water filtration, and cultivating a productive soil microbiome. Carbon sequestration not only benefits the environment but can also serve as a potential income source for farmers.
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Less On-Farm Energy:
- Managing soil health strategically optimizes plant growth, reducing the continuous effort and energy required for crop cultivation. Healthy soil collaborates with plants to foster efficient growth.
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Increase Land Value:
- Strong soil functionality ensures the longevity of farm operations, building soil equity and increasing land value. Land with a robust soil microbiome is better equipped to overcome obstacles and produce crops for generations.
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Maximize Water Infiltration and Retention:
- Healthy soil supports water quality and infiltration in farming systems. Depending on soil texture, land management decisions can optimize irrigation costs, agricultural input costs, and yield throughout the growing season.
In conclusion, the multifaceted benefits of soil health outlined by Adrián Ferrero underscore the critical role soil plays in sustainable agriculture, from economic savings to environmental stewardship and long-term food security.
