Properties of a Healthy Soil
Healthy soils are important. Dirty hands hold an earthworm. Photo by shutterstock.com/Mama Belle Love kids.

A healthy soil includes

  • High organic matter content.
  • Optimal nutrients and pH for plant growth.
  • Stable soil aggregates to promote water infiltration.
  • Large population of beneficial organisms.
  • No contamination.

Many soils in Alabama could be considered unhealthy due to severe erosion, low organic matter content, and intensive farming practices historically used in the state. 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.

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