OP-ED | Roots of Resilience: Soil Health and Climate Change?
Author: Samuel Bamidele, M.S., Soil Health and Conservation Expert
Soil health is a fundamental component of agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship which also involves four major principles to manage the health of soil. In the face of climate change, improving soil health has emerged as a crucial strategy for enhancing resilience. Healthy soils contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and adaptation by improving water retention, increasing carbon sequestration, and fostering biodiversity. This article explores how enhancing soil health can bolster resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.
Water Retention and Management
One of the most immediate benefits of improving soil health is enhanced water retention. Healthy soils, rich in organic matter and well-structured, have a higher capacity to absorb and retain water. This is particularly vital in the context of climate change, which is expected to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of both droughts and heavy rainfall events. During periods of drought, soils with high organic content can retain moisture longer, reducing the need for irrigation and supporting plant growth under water-stressed conditions. Conversely, during heavy rainfall, well-structured soils can absorb and drain water more efficiently, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion. Thus, improved soil health contributes to more stable water management, essential for agricultural productivity and environmental protection in a changing climate.
Carbon Sequestration
Healthy soils play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration, the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2 ) in the soil. Soils rich in organic matter can sequester significant amounts of carbon, thus reducing the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Practices that enhance soil health, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and the application of organic amendments, increase the soil's organic carbon content. By storing more carbon in the soil, these practices not only improve soil fertility and structure but also help mitigate climate change by offsetting CO2 emissions. In this way, improving soil health aligns agricultural practices with broader climate change mitigation goals. For example, this article talks about quantifying soil carbon sequestration from regenerative agricultural practices in crops and vineyards and highlights that regenerative agricultural practices significantly enhance soil carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation. The findings emphasize the importance of adopting these practices for sustainable agriculture and environmental benefits. Recent legislative efforts include Gallagher, Huffman, and Nunn's Bipartisan Bill to Incentivize Use of Soil Health Practices and US D A's Awards for Conservation Innovation Projects to Support Climate-Smart Agriculture. In addition, after flooding of soil, anaerobic processes are initiated, finally resulting in the disproportionation of organic matter to carbon dioxide and methane. This process occurs in the bulk soil, on decaying organic debris and in the rhizosphere and this process occurs in rice agroecosystems which cause 10 – 20 % anthropogenic methane emissions.
Biodiversity
Healthy soils are teeming with diverse biological communities, including bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and insects. This biodiversity is crucial for maintaining soil structure, nutrient cycling, and plant health. A diverse soil ecosystem is more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, which are expected to increase with climate change. For example, mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and improving plant resistance to stressors such as drought and soil salinity. Moreover, soil biodiversity supports above-ground biodiversity, creating more resilient ecosystems overall. By fostering a rich soil biota, we enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to the impacts of climate change, ensuring more stable and productive ecosystems. Recent legislative efforts include Bonamici, Wyden, Salinas, and Casten's Legislation to Improve Soil Health and Crop Resilience and Casten's Bipartisan COVER Act to Boost Soil Health and Align Crop Insurance with Risk Mitigation Practices.
Land Degradation
Climate change is likely to increase the intensity of storms and extreme weather events, leading to greater risks of soil erosion. Erosion not only depletes the soil of its nutrients but also contributes to the loss of arable land and increased sedimentation in waterways. Healthy soils, with robust root systems and strong soil structure, are less susceptible to erosion. Practices such as maintaining ground cover, employing no-till farming, and planting perennial species can significantly reduce soil erosion. By improving soil health and stability, we protect the land from the ravages of extreme weather, thus enhancing its resilience to climate change. Recent legislative efforts include Congressman Krishnamoorthi's Resolution to Designate National Soil Health Day.
Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health’s Initiatives and Objectives
The Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH) aims to promote sustainable soil management, influence corporate policies towards regenerative agriculture, and advocate for supportive legislation. As a project soil scientist in the United States and a member of the Monitoring, Research, and Implementation Working Group, I contribute expert input to expand sustainable land management practices. Our group generates robust evidence highlighting soil’s critical role in enhancing livelihoods, climate resilience, and food security. By conducting research that informs best practices and policy recommendations, we strive to increase the total land area under sustainable management. This collective effort enhances agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, helping to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Conclusion
Improving soil health provides numerous benefits, from enhanced water retention and carbon sequestration to increased biodiversity and erosion control. These benefits collectively enhance the resilience of agricultural systems and natural ecosystems to climate change impacts. Organizations like the Coalition for Soil Health play a pivotal role in advocating for these practices and policies, pushing for systemic changes and prioritizing soil health. As we confront climate change challenges, prioritizing soil health emerges as a critical strategy for building sustainable and resilient environments. Through concerted efforts to improve soil health, we can mitigate adverse climate change effects while promoting agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. With a dedicated soil scientist like Samuel Bamidele advocating for soil health and conservation, the future of our soil will keep improving leading to a sustainable environment for all.
Call to Action:
Contact your legislators: Advocate for bills like the Agriculture Resilience Act.
Support the Coalition: Engage with and support their initiatives.
Stay Informed: Follow legislative developments and participate in public comments.
Support local and international groups that advocate for soil health.
About Samuel
Samuel graduated with a Master of Science from the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware, following his Bachelor of Science in Soil Science and Land Management from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Hailing from Ibadan, Oyo State, Samuel's academic trajectory has been characterized by a profound dedication to soil science and agriculture.
At the University of Delaware, his research focused on the effects of water and residue management on soil health indicators in rice paddies. Throughout his studies, Samuel received significant recognition, including several awards and distinctions. He presented his research findings at prestigious industrial, national, and international conferences and seminars. In March 2023, Samuel received the Corteva Agriscience Developing Emerging Leaders and Talents in Agriculture Award for his outstanding contributions to the field. Additionally, he was selected as one of only ten fellows for the Encompass Bayer 2023 fellowship in North America, highlighting his exceptional potential and leadership. Recently, he was named the Outstanding 2024 Graduate by the Black Graduate Student Association at the University of Delaware.
Samuel Bamidele is a project soil scientist at KerTec LLC, TX specializing in the design and implementation of native ecological restoration, soil sampling design and post-construction reclamation activities. Prior to working with KerTec LLC, he served as a Soil Health Sampling Specialist with the Soil Health Institute on the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Project. . His passion for soil health has led to numerous invitations to speak and serve on panels at various conferences, webinars, and workshops.
Samuel is actively involved in several professional societies, including the Soil Science Society of America, Crop Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Soil and Water Conservation Society, and the Glasgow Lions Club - not to mention CA4SH! Samuel recently joined the CA4SH Soil Health Mentorship Initiative as a mentor, dedicated to supporting young soil health advocates and fostering opportunities for youth action. His memberships underscore his commitment to advancing soil science and agriculture and his dedication to community service.
