Soil Health

What is Soil and Why Should We Care?

Soil is a natural body comprised of solids (minerals and organic matter), liquid, and gases that occurs on the land surface, occupies space, and is characterized by one or both of the following: horizons, or layers, that are distinguishable from the initial material as a result of additions, losses, transfers, and transformations of energy and matter or the ability to support rooted plants in a natural environment.

Soils perform vital functions including sustaining plant and animal life below and above the surface; regulating and partitioning water and solute flow; filtering, buffering, degrading, immobilizing, and detoxifying; storing and cycling nutrients; and providing support to structures. The living systems occurring above and below the ground surface are determined by the properties of the soil. We often ignore the soil because it is hard to observe.

Soil quality

Soil health, is defined as how well soil does what we want it to do. Healthy soil gives us clean air and water, bountiful crops and forests, productive grazing lands, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. NRCS Soil Science page delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. 

The ultimate purpose of researching and assessing soil quality is not to achieve high aggregate stability, biological activity, or some other soil property. The purpose is to protect and improve long-term agricultural productivity, water quality, and habitats of all organisms, including people. We use soil characteristics as indicators of soil quality, but in the end, soil quality must be identified by how soil performs its functions.

Soil Survey

NRCS soil surveys provide critical information about soil characteristics and properties and their limitations and potentials. Soil surveys are intended for many different users. Learn how soil surveys can help you better understand your soil and manage your land.