Chapter 1 - Status and challenges of global soil health management

Abstract

Increasing agricultural output will be critical in the future decades. Poor soil health and extreme climate events are having a detrimental influence on yields globally because the global population is continually increasing and placing higher demand on food supplies. Soil evaluations have traditionally focused on crop output, but soil health now covers the function of soil in water quality, climate change, and human health. However, despite rising recognition of the importance of soil biodiversity, assessing soil health remains dominated by chemical markers due to a lack of functional understanding and appropriate techniques. To address soil health challenges, a comprehensive and knowledge-intensive strategy is required. Various identified soil health constraints, soil series, climate, management history, resource and equipment access, and individual farmer or rancher goals must all be considered when developing a detailed strategy. Scientists should view soil health as an overall principle that contributes to long-term sustainability goals, rather than just a measurable feature. Over the next decade, advances in soil health monitoring should involve rapid screening, in situ and remote monitoring technologies, and other technologies that would significantly improve our ability to evaluate and manage soil health, thereby boosting soil ecosystem services.