Get to know your soil

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 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.

1. Keep living roots in the soil

   Maintain green cover to feed soil organisms and reduce erosion.

2. Increase plant diversity

   Different species support a wider range of soil life and improve resilience.

3. Add organic matter

   Build soil carbon through compost, green manure or residue retention.

4. Protect soil structure

   Avoid heavy traffic on wet soil and promote deep roots to create natural channels.

5. Monitor your progress

   Use tools to track and record soil structure, pH, and biological activity. 

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.

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Simple field checks, photos and soil tests can help you understand changes over time.