A Word from the RALF (May 2023)
Soil is one of the most important resources on our planet, yet it is often taken for granted.
Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water and air, and plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. Healthy soil is essential for growing crops, sustaining ecosystems, and maintaining the health of our planet.
Healthy soil provides habitat for a wide range of organisms, from bacteria and fungi to insects and small mammals. These organisms help to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients, creating a rich and fertile soil that is essential for plant growth.
Healthy soil is vital for growing crops. Plants rely on soil for nutrients, water and support, and a healthy soil can provide the optimal conditions for plant growth. Healthy soil can also help to prevent erosion, retain water, and improve the overall health of the ecosystem.
Healthy soil is important for the health of our planet. Soils store carbon, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They also help to purify water by filtering out pollutants and other contaminants.
Landholders can benefit from healthy soil in several ways:
- Healthy soil can lead to higher crop yields, improving the profitability of agricultural operations
- It can reduce the need for fertilizers and other chemicals, lowering costs and minimising environmental impacts
- Healthy soil can provide a range of ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water purification and biodiversity conservation. These services can benefit the wider community, and may even generate additional income through ecosystem service markets
- Healthy soil can help to build resilience to climate change and other environmental stresses. Soils that are rich in organic matter and well-structured are better able to withstand drought, floods, and other extreme weather events, reducing the risk of crop failure and other impacts.
Soil is a vital resource that plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. Healthy soil is essential for plant growth, ecosystem health, and the overall health of our planet. By investing in soil health, landholders can benefit from increased crop yields, improved ecosystem services, and greater resilience to environmental stresses. It is important that we recognise the value of soil and take steps to protect and enhance this vital resource for future generations
This article was written by Jade Auldist. Jade is the Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) for the Riverina region. Her role supports farmers, industry and community groups (including Landcare Groups) to adopt new and innovative sustainable agriculture practices.
For further information on this article, please contact Jade at jade.auldist@lls.nsw.gov.au.
