A healthy soil is the foundation of life, as it provides essential nutrients, water, and support for plants. It functions like a sponge, retaining moisture and reducing the need for irrigation. Healthy soil also captures carbon and helps mitigate climate change. It supports diverse ecosystems by hosting microorganisms that recycle nutrients and naturally enrich the soil.

In addition, it prevents erosion, protects water quality, and maintains fertile land. Healthy soil improves crop resilience to pests and extreme weather, supporting long-term food security. Economically, it reduces the need for chemical inputs, ensuring sustainable agriculture and long-term profitability. In short, soil health is crucial for environmental stability, human nutrition, and economic well-being.

The soil health team develops methods for assessing and benchmarking soil health by testing existing soil health indicators and creating new ones. We work on measuring, modeling, and mapping soil health indicators.