Benefits of healthy soil

Per the New Mexico Healthy Soil Working Group, “Healthy soils have a much greater ability to absorb and hold water, which cuts down on evaporation and creates resilience to drought and extreme weather events. With soil microbes providing nourishment for plants instead of synthetic fertilizers, nutrient density in foods is increased which improves public health. Crops are better able to fight pests and disease, reducing the need for expensive chemicals –this is good for farmers’ bottom line and at the same time helps lessen pollution, leading to improved watersheds and water quality. Healthy soils also foster biodiversity, enhanced wildlife and pollinator habitat and absorb atmospheric carbon.”  However, as described in the attached article, soil in much of the world is becoming depleted and contains less organic matter than is required for healthy soil.  Healthy soil is critical for a healthy planet.  Most of us do not own large tracts of land, but we can work within our own yards or neighborhoods.  Here are some thoughts:

• Plant native plants and encourage native critters including insects.  They’re best adapted to the climate in your area and promote healthy ecosystems.
• Avoid chemical pesticides and artificial fertilizers when possible. 
• If you have a farm or ranch or other large area, investigate regenerative practices appropriate for your part of the world and type of soil
• In your yard, leave leaf litter, lawn clippings, and other plant material in the yard to help enrich the soil.  If you have to rake leaves because they form too thick a layer on your yard, use them for mulch or pile them in a side area of the yard rather than bagging them up for the landfill. Insects and other small critters need leaf litter and other “wild” places for their homes.  Unless it appears diseased, till your garden foliage back into the ground at the end of the summer to help enrich the soil. 
• Encourage underground critters such as earthworms, but if you decide to “add” earthworms or insects, make sure they’re native to your location so you aren’t adding a problematic invasive species. 
  
• Look for local organizations that are working to increase soil health and see if you can participate.  Or work with your local government to change how parks and other common areas are managed.  Encourage your homeowner’s association to allow natural areas. 

https://earth.org/to-address-water-shortage-look-below-your-feet/