Maintaining healthy soil is an important element of regenerative agriculture - increasing soil fertility, biodiversity, water retention and storing carbon.
Plant health relates to soil health.
Plants are more able to resist pests and diseases in healthy soil, so less need for pesticides.
Healthy soil has a good balance of inorganic and organic components as well as micro and macro-organisms.
Healthy soil retains enough air and water for good plant growth.
Healthy soil has an important role in capturing and keeping carbon in the soil (carbon sequestration).
Soil can be tested for minerals and pH.
Soil health can be improved using compost, green manures and limiting tilling.
Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project HORT/2016/185: Responding to emerging pest and disease threats to horticulture in the Pacific islands, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
