Each soil type has its own texture, structure and chemistry that affect how water moves, how roots grow and how nutrients cycle.
Soil forms over time through the interaction of rock, water, air, organic matter and living organisms. Its properties influence everything from crop choice to fertiliser use.
What makes up soil
Healthy soil has three main components that work together:
- Physical – texture, structure and porosity, which affect water movement and root growth.
- Chemical– nutrients, pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), which determine fertility.
- Biological– microorganisms, fungi and fauna that recycle nutrients and build organic matter.
When these elements are in balance, soil functions as a stable, living system.
How soil works
Soil structure affects:
- Water infiltration – how quickly water soaks in and how much stays available to plants.
- Air movement – essential for root and microbial activity.
- Erosion risk – well-structured soil resists crusting and runoff.
Soil chemistry influences:
- Fertility – nutrient balance and pH.
- Salinity – excessive salts reduce plant growth.
- Carbon and organic matter – vital for soil life and moisture retention.
What healthy soil looks like
Healthy soil:
- crumbles easily and feels rich
- allows water to soak in, not run off
- supports deep root systems
- shows visible life and an earthy smell.
If your soil is compacted or low in organic matter, gradual changes in management can restore its function.
Soil physics
Learn more about soil structure, texture and porosity.
Soil chemistry
Learn more about soil chemistry and what impacts the fertility of soil.
Soil as a living system
A single gram of healthy soil can contain more than a billion microorganisms. These living systems:
- break down organic matter
- cycle nutrients
- build soil structure
- support plant growth.
This biological activity is driven by photosynthesis — green plants converting sunlight into energy that feeds soil organisms through their roots.
Steps to improve your soil
You don’t need expensive inputs to start improving soil.
Consistent management makes the biggest difference.
Keep living roots in the soil
Maintain green cover to feed soil organisms and reduce erosion.
Increase plant diversity
Different species support a wider range of soil life and improve resilience.
Add organic matter
Build soil carbon through compost, green manure or residue retention.
Protect soil structure
Avoid heavy traffic on wet soil and promote deep roots to create natural channels.
Monitor your progress
Use tools to track and record soil structure, pH, and biological activity.
Soil biology
Learn more about soil biology and the microorganisms that break down organic matter.
Improve soil carbon
Learn how to build soil carbon to improve the health of your soil.
Assessing your soil's condition
Healthy soil often shows:
- strong plant roots
- good groundcover
- visible life such as earthworms
- earthy smell and stable structure.
This video shows what to look for and the tests you can do yourself to assess the condition of your soil.
Assessing soil condition in rangelands
Simple field checks, photos and soil tests can help you understand changes over time.
Groundcover
Learn more about how groundcover can help keep your soil healthy.
Soil testing
Learn how to test your soil and make data-driven decisions.
Contact Local Land Services NSW
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