Soil health

Soil is the foundation of all life on land. It feeds us, stores carbon, purifies water and is home to billions of living organisms. Yet we are losing healthy soil faster than it can form. Find out why soil matters, what is threatening it and what we can all do to protect it.

Why soil matters

Soil is far more than the ground beneath our feet. It is a living ecosystem that feeds us, regulates our climate and protects us from floods and drought. Around the world, we are losing healthy soil faster than it can form. Intensive farming practices, climate change and development are all taking their toll.

Healthy soil stores carbon, keeping it out of our atmosphere. It filters and stores water, helping to prevent flooding. It supports an extraordinary diversity of life, from bacteria and fungi to worms and insects. And it grows 95% of the food we eat.

Protecting our soil is one of the most important things we can do for our planet, our food security and our future.

95%
of the food we eat relies on soil
UN, 2022
10
billion tonnes
of carbon, roughly equal to 80 years of annual greenhouse gas emissions, is stored in UK soils
Environment Agency, 2019
1
teaspoon
of soil contains more organisms that there are people on the planet
British Society of Soil Science

The life in our soil

Cross section of carrots growing beneath the surface.

What lives in our soil and why it matters

Healthy soil is teeming with life. From fungi and bacteria to water bears and worms, billions of organisms work together beneath our feet to recycle nutrients, store carbon and keep our ecosystems functioning. Find out who they are and why they matter.
Cross section of carrots growing beneath the surface.
Ground level view of a worm crawling through leaves and grass.
Ground level view of a worm crawling through leaves and grass.

Why are worms important?

Worms recycle nutrients, improve soil structure, repair damaged land and feed the creatures that depend on healthy soil. Yet earthworms are in critical decline. Find out why worms matter and what losing them would mean for our soil and food system.

How to look after soil at home

Basket of beetroot and potatoes.

No-dig gardening

No-dig gardening leaves soil as undisturbed as possible, protecting the worms, fungi and microorganisms that keep it healthy. It means fewer weeds, healthier plants and less work in the long run. Find out how to get started.
Two hands full of compost.

Make your own compost

Well-made compost boosts soil health, reduces disease and helps plants grow stronger. Find out how to set up a compost heap at home, what to put in it and how to get the best results from your garden or allotment waste.
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How to use mulch

Mulch retains water, suppresses weeds, protects soil from the weather and feeds the soil as it breaks down. It is free to make at home and easy to use. Find out how to use woodchip mulch in your garden, allotment or pots.
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Soil saving plants you can grow at home

Some plants do more than just look good. Clover, legumes, trees and cover crops all help protect soil from erosion, fix nutrients and improve soil structure. Find out which soil saving plants to grow at home and how to get started.

Improve soil health on your farm

Tractor pulling plough through churned up muddy field.

Guidance on soil health

Practical information on building healthy soils through low-input farming approaches, including soil structure, organic matter and nutrient management.
Tractor pulling plough through churned up muddy field.
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Innovative Farmers

A network of farmers and growers running on-farm trials on their own terms. Join field labs, share what works and access the latest farmer-led research to help you make practical changes on your farm.
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Soil Association Exchange

Exchange supports farmers to adopt practices that make them more resilient and profitable, through robust data, tailored advice and new funding opportunities.
Tractor pulling plough through churned up muddy field.

Save our soils

Healthy soil is the foundation of our food, our climate and our natural world - but it’s under threat. Find out how we’re working with farmers, influencing policy and campaigning for change to protect and restore our soils.

Support our work to save soils
Nature and climate

We work to restore the connections between people, nature and a healthy climate - bringing together farmers, communities and businesses to reverse environmental damage and build a future where nature and people can thrive together. Find out how we are tackling the nature and climate crisis

Find out more about Nature & climate

Our areas of work

We focus our efforts in 4 key areas. Explore our work.

Nature and climate

We work to restore the connections between people, nature and a healthy climate - bringing together farmers, communities and businesses to reverse environmental damage and build a future where nature and people can thrive together. Find out how we are tackling the nature and climate crisis.

Championing organic

We champion organic farming and food as one of the most powerful ways to restore nature, improve health and build a more sustainable food system - working with businesses, farmers and communities to make it more accessible for everyone. Find out how we are championing organic.

Farming and forestry

We aim to transform how land is farmed and managed, supporting farmers, growers and foresters to adopt nature-friendly practices that restore soils, protect wildlife and help create a sustainable future for everyone. Find out how we are changing farming and forestry.

Food

Everyone should have the right to good, healthy and affordable food, grown and produced in a nature-friendly way. We work with caterers, schools, businesses and communities to implement lasting change to fix food for all, from farm to fork. Find out how we are transforming the food system.