Healthy soil is a key driver of agricultural productivity, profits and sustainable food production. Soil is much more than just a substrate. In fact, it can be considered a living organism in its own right, teeming with a rich diversity of microorganisms, insects and plant roots. The soil harbors a true biological community, and it is necessary to maintain its quality.
Soil quality plays a key role in agriculture. A healthy and fertile soil is essential for the proper growth of plants, as it provides the necessary nutrients, retains water and offers a favorable environment for root development.
The preservation and improvement of soil quality are essential for the sustainability of agriculture, allowing for greater productivity, resistance to diseases and pests and the optimization of inputs. Investing in proper management practices is critical to ensuring soil quality and long-term success in agriculture. Thus, a soil that is chemically balanced, physically uncompressed and biologically active is sought.
chemically balanced soil
Agricultural crops are grown on a huge variety of soil types. In this case, the need for fertilizer will depend on the health and condition of the soil. The first step in achieving “healthy” agricultural production must be balance. This requires regular soil analysis to determine the exact nutrient composition and pH level. The chemical composition will directly influence the availability of essential nutrients for plants.
A soil balanced in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium is essential to ensure healthy plant growth, improving food production and quality. In addition, chemical balance also plays a role in regulating pH, ensuring that it is in the optimal range for nutrient uptake by plant roots. Therefore, it is important to perform periodic soil analyzes and adopt appropriate fertilization practices to maintain the chemical composition at ideal levels for the development of agricultural crops.
Physically unpacked soil
Compaction occurs when soil particles are “squeezed together”, reducing the pore spaces between them. This can happen naturally, due to the weight of the soil above, but is often caused by human activities such as heavy machinery, improper sizing of machinery and/or excessive soil preparation. When soil is compacted, its ability to store and transmit air, water and nutrients is reduced, which can negatively affect plant growth and soil health.
However, a soil that is physically uncompacted has a porous structure, allowing better water storage and absorption, greater air circulation and proper development of plant roots. By promoting physically uncompacted soil through techniques such as using proper implements and adopting sustainable management practices, farmers can improve crop productivity and reduce soil erosion.
biologically activated soil
By promoting the presence and activity of beneficial microorganisms it is possible to improve soil health and fertility. These organisms play key roles such as decomposing organic matter, cycling nutrients, and forming soil aggregates that contribute to a healthy, permeable structure.
Soil biological activity promotes the formation of stable aggregates, which help to protect and stabilize organic carbon in the soil. By adopting sustainable management practices, such as incorporating organic waste, crop rotation and optimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers, it is possible to stimulate soil biological activity and increase its carbon sequestration capacity, thus creating new opportunities , such as carbon markets.
A biologically activated soil offers benefits such as improved fertility, increased water retention and the promotion of healthy plant growth. This results in “more” sustainable and productive agriculture.
