Healthy soil holds more water from "summary" of Growing a Revolution by David R Montgomery
The ability of healthy soil to hold more water is a critical factor in sustaining plant growth. By fostering a diverse community of soil organisms, farmers can improve the structure of their soil, allowing it to act like a sponge, soaking up and retaining water. This not only benefits the plants by providing a more consistent water supply, but it also helps to prevent erosion and runoff, reducing the risk of water pollution. When soil is healthy, it is teeming with life - bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other organisms that work together to create a favorable environment for plant roots. These organisms help to break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that are essential for plant growth. They also produce substances that bind soil particles together, creating pore spaces that allow water to infiltrate and be held in the soil. This combination of organic matter and soil structure is what gives healthy soil its ability to retain water. In contrast, conventional farming practices that rely on chemical inputs and tillage can degrade soil health, leading to compacted, lifeless soil that struggles to hold onto water. This not only reduces the resilience of the soil to drought and flooding but also contributes to a range of environmental issues, such as nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions.- Farmers can harness the power of healthy soil to improve water retention, increase crop yields, and build resilience in the face of a changing climate. This approach not only benefits the farmers themselves but also has broader implications for the health of the planet as a whole. Ultimately, by recognizing the importance of healthy soil in water management, we can work towards a more sustainable and productive agricultural system.
