Agriculture is the science, art and practice of cultivating plants and livestock. Either of the cases, healthy soils are the basis for healthy food production and the medium in which nearly all food-producing plants grow to nourish human, wildlife and livestock. Soils supply the essential nutrients, water, oxygen that our food-producing plants need to grow and flourish, and also serve as a buffer to protect delicate plant roots from drastic fluctuations in temperature.

“It is estimated that 95% of our food is directly or indirectly produced on our soils and soil quality is directly linked to food quality and quantity” – FAO

A healthy soil is a living, dynamic ecosystem, teeming with microscopic to larger organisms that perform many vital functions including converting dead and decaying matter as well as minerals to plant nutrients (nutrient cycling); controlling plant diseases, insects and weed pests; improving soil structure with positive effects for soil, water and nutrient holding capacity, and ultimately improving crop production. A healthy soil mitigates climate change by maintaining or increasing its carbon content.