Soils are an essential element in plant growth. The quality of the soil determines plant growth, water flow and storage. Healthy soils filter pollutants and support biodiversity and ecological balance.

What is soil health?

Soil health is a broad term that focuses on the biological aspect of soil. Healthy soils are characterised by a balanced ecosystem of microorganisms, fungi and earthworms that work to break down organic matter and cycle nutrients. The key to successful soil health is the build-up and correct management of organic matter.  Characteristics of healthy soils include:

• Good structure that allows air and water to circulate
• High levels of organic matter content
• Active soil organisms like bacteria, fungi, and worms
• The ability to retain moisture and nutrients

Poor soils encourage occurrences of disease and pest infestations, and poor yields.

What is soil fertility?

Soil fertility refers to the soil’s ability to provide essential nutrients to plants in the right amounts for optimal growth. Fertile soils contain:

• Macro-nutrients: These are nutrients required in larger quantities such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
• Micro-nutrients: These are nutrients required in smaller quantities such as Iron, zinc, manganese and copper.
• Organic matter: Decomposed plant and animal material that provides nutrients and improves soil structure.

Fertility also depends on the soil’s capacity to:

• Retain and release nutrients to plants as needed
• Hold water without becoming waterlogged
• Prevent erosion and maintain structure.

Practices to Improve soil health and fertility

1. Incorporating organic inputs: Incorporating compost, manure, or green cover crops into the soil increases organic matter, improving fertility, structure, and microbial life.
2. Rotating crops:  Crop rotation helps manage nutrient depletion, enhances biodiversity in the soil and helps control pets.
3. Practising conservation tillage:  Reducing tillage minimizes soil disturbance, preserves soil structure and reduces erosion.
4. Using cover cropping: Cover crops help prevent erosion, fix nitrogen and add organic matter.
5. Balancing fertilisation: Proper use of organic fertilisers ensures that plants get the right nutrients.
6. Maintaining pH Levels: Regular soil testing and the application of lime (for acidic soils) help maintain the right pH for nutrient availability.
7. Managing water: Appropriate irrigation and drainage systems prevent waterlogging and salinity issues while preserving the soil’s structure.

Read more on soil fertility management by PELUM Zambia here:

Author: Rabecca Mwila

Rabecca Mwila is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. With a background in climate change and communications, she has spent years telling the untold stories of the realities of climate change, environmental and climate injustices and how they affect vulnerable communities in Africa and beyond.