Determinants of soil quality and health

Abstract

The specific assessment of soil quality and health is critical to evaluation of the effectiveness of soil and crop management practices as determinants of productivity and environmental quality. Although soils have an inherent quality as related to their physical, chemical, and biological properties within the constraints set by climate and ecosystem, the ultimate determinant of soil quality and health is the land manager. Interest in reducing soil erosion and maintaining soil quality has been stimulated by renewed awareness that soil is vital to both production of food and fiber and global ecosystem function. Soil quality and health change over time due to natural events or human use. The quality and health of soils determine agricultural sustainability, environmental quality, and, as a consequence of both, plant, animal, and human health. Increasing human populations, decreasing resources, social and economic instability, and environmental degradation pose serious threats to the natural processes that sustain the global ecosphere and life on earth.