Strategies to improve soil health by optimizing the plant–soil–microbe–anthropogenic activity nexus

Abstract

Since the Green Revolution, world agriculture has relied heavily on agrochemical inputs (synthetic fertilizers and pesticides) in cereal- and oilseed-dominated monoculture systems, which has had long-lasting effects on soil health. Significant efforts have been undertaken to suppress these adverse impacts and resolve the conflict between producing sufficient agri-food to address world hunger and maintaining/enhancing soil health for the long run. In the context of agricultural land use and crop/soil managements impacting soil health, this comprehensive review explores the differences in soil fertility, soil quality, and soil health via delving into the complex assemblage of organisms – the home of the multi-dimensional interactive ecosystem. Through analyzing numerous studies across the major agricultural regions in the world, we provide feasible strategies to improve soil health, such as promoting the conversion of atmospheric N2 to plant-available N to enrich soil nutrients; diversifying crop rotations using alternative, cover, and green crops to increase systems’ resilience; adopting no-till with straw retention and organic/inorganic mulches to increase infiltration, stimulate enzyme activities, and enhance soil microbiome functions; and promoting C–N–water cycling to nourish soil microenvironments. These strategies, through coordinated management of the interactive nexus of plant–soil–microbe–anthropogenic activities, will help improve soil health.