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SOIL HEALTH

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Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. This definition speaks to the importance of managing soils so they are sustainable for future generations. To do this, we need to remember that soil contains living organisms that when provided the basic necessities of life - food, shelter, and water - perform functions required to produce food and fiber.

- USDA-NRCS website.

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Soil Health Five Essential Functions 
  • Regulating water
    Soil helps control where rain, snowmelt, and irrigation water goes. Water flows over the land or into and through the soil.

  • Sustaining plant and animal life
    The diversity and productivity of living things depends on soil.

  • Filtering and buffering potential pollutants
    The minerals and microbes in soil are responsible for filtering, buffering, degrading, immobilizing, and detoxifying organic and inorganic materials, including industrial and municipal by-products and atmospheric deposits.

  • Cycling nutrients
    Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and many other nutrients are stored, transformed, and cycled in the soil.

  • Providing physical stability and support
    Soil structure provides a medium for plant roots. Soils also provide support for human structures and protection for archeological treasures.

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4334 Rice Street, Suite 207

Lihue, Hawaii 96766

808-245-9014 x 3

ewkswcd@gmail.com

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NRCS & the SWCD Districts are an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.

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Updated 12/17/19

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