Revolutionizing Soil Health: Biotic Indicators Key to Sustainable Agriculture
Soil health is crucial for plant and animal growth, water and air quality, and overall ecosystem health. A conference in 1998 highlighted the importance of soil organisms in indicating soil quality and health. These organisms, like earthworms and insects, are sensitive to land management practices and climate, and play key roles in functions like nutrient cycling and pest control. Farmers can use simple indicators like visible organisms to assess soil health. The challenge ahead is to develop sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health, with indicators serving as tools to achieve this goal.