Soil health is the ability of soil to perform functions that support life on earth. It provides food, fiber, and energy to sustain human life. Soil also protects our natural resources by filtering water and decomposing harmful chemicals.

It is important to rebuild soil health to conserve this natural resource for use by future generations. Practices such as reduced tillage and cover cropping can increase organic matter and improve soil health in Alabama.

The creation of the Healthy Soils website was made possible by funding from the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee.

The content presented on the site is deeper and more comprehensive thanks to the collaboration of USDA’s National Soil Dynamics Lab, Alabama Extension specialists and Auburn University faculty in the Department of Crops, Soils and Environmental Sciences.