What should be done to restore soil health?

Amending the soil with organic matter is a fundamental practice for restoring soil health. Organic matter, such as compost, decaying plant material, or well-rotted manure, enriches the soil by adding essential nutrients and improving its structure. This enhances soil aeration and water retention, promoting a more vibrant ecosystem of microorganisms and earthworms that are crucial for soil fertility. The addition of organic matter also helps to improve the soil's ability to hold moisture and its capacity to store carbon, contributing to both plant growth and environmental sustainability.

In contrast, removing all vegetation can lead to soil erosion and loss of nutrients, while covering soil with plastic can deprive it of air and moisture needed for healthy microbial activity. Increasing chemical fertilizers may provide a quick nutrient boost but can lead to long-term soil degradation, reducing biodiversity and harming the delicate balance of soil ecosystems. Therefore, amending the soil with organic matter is a holistic approach that restores and sustains soil health effectively.