As part of their study, the research team analyzed the existing literature on soil health. They compared definitions of what the term actually means, along with taking a closer look at measuring techniques and alternative concepts such as “soil quality.” Their study found that the term “soil health” has actually only been used more regularly in the last two decades. Matthias Rillig, who co-authored the study, explains that the linking of the two words “soil” and “health” already shows that the earth below us shouldn’t be seen merely in terms of statistics. Rather, it is a vibrant, living system that is home to countless, diverse organisms. The health of this ecosystem needs to be better protected, he argues.

The study demonstrates that in the past, soil was primarily judged in terms of plant production, or “soil quality” as it was termed. “But the much broader concept of soil health also highlights the importance of the soil for water quality, climate change, and human health,” Professor Rillig notes.

The study explains, however, that soil specialists still disagree on whether the concept is actually useful, as there are currently no precise criteria by which the health of soil can be measured, making it relatively vague compared to terms such as “soil fertility” for example. But findings also showed that soil health is already a familiar concept in the non-scientific arena, especially among politicians and in agriculture. This means that the study could act as a bridge-builder. “It’s important that researchers view soil health as a basic principle that can serve to further sustainability goals, rather than just an indicator to be measured,” argues Rillig. The authors suggest that because of its significance and growing importance, soil health should be recognized as a public good, and that international organizations should be tasked with developing the criteria by which it can be measured.