JH Biotech: How to Effectively Improve Soil Health
Ching-Ting Feng, Ph.D., Plant Product Division Manager, JH Biotech, Inc.
Soil health is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. Healthy cultivated soils support plant growth, enhance nutrient cycling, and retain water effectively. Such soils are essential for maintaining long-term agricultural productivity. Achieving this condition requires attention to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil.
In terms of physical structure, reducing the intensity of tillage helps preserve soil aggregates and organic matter. However, since tillage facilitates weed control and seeding, it remains a common practice among many farmers. To mitigate the structural damage caused by tillage, increasing the soil’s organic matter is essential. This can be achieved by applying compost, crop residues, or commercial organic fertilizers. Additionally, planting leguminous cover crops during fallow periods helps prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and increase both organic matter and nitrogen levels in the soil.
From a chemical perspective, maintaining a balanced soil chemistry is crucial. Regular testing of soil fertility, EC and pH allows for timely adjustments to fertilizer application. Choosing slow-release or organic-inorganic blended fertilizers helps reduce nutrient leaching and salt accumulation.
The third pillar of soil health is enhancing beneficial microbial populations. Applying microbial inoculants and biostimulants not only accelerates the transformation of organic matter but also helps release nutrients that are otherwise bound in the soil, improving plant growth and nutrient uptake. The application of microorganisms such as Bacillus spp., Azotobacter, and actinomycetes can promote the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), which assist in the formation of soil aggregates and enhance soil cohesion. In addition, Trichoderma species and various beneficial bacteria are capable of producing degrading enzymes that convert organic matter into humic substances. This transformation increases soil porosity and looseness, thereby facilitating effective root growth and development.
Finally, adopting crop rotation and intercropping enhances ecosystem resilience. A diverse plant community promotes a more complex soil ecosystem, creating a positive feedback loop that gradually improves soil health.
Effective soil health management requires an integrated approach to soil conditioning. In particular, increasing the levels of organic matter and beneficial microorganisms can significantly enhance the availability and uptake efficiency of chemical nutrients. At the same time, these measures help improve the soil’s aggregate structure, creating a healthy soil environment capable of sustaining long-term productivity and environmental sustainability.
JH Biotech, Inc. is an agricultural company specializing in developing and advancing plant nutrition. For nearly 40 years, we have provided growers with safe and effective products designed for adaptability to various crops, environments, and farming practices. Our team is readily available to help you achieve a successful growing season. Call (805) 650-8933 or email info@jhbiotech.com.
.svg.png){kind=small}
