
Soil health indicators
Soil health indicators are measurements that assess how well soil supports plant growth and maintains its environmental functions. They include factors like nutrient levels (what’s available for plants), soil structure (how well it holds together), organic matter (decomposed plant material that feeds microbes), pH (acidity or alkalinity), and microbial activity (tiny organisms that help break down organic material). Healthy soil is usually rich in nutrients, well-structured, balanced in pH, and teeming with beneficial microbes. These indicators help determine soil quality, guide management practices, and ensure sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health.