Why Does Healthy Soil Matter?

6 Reasons Healthy Soil is Essential for Growers, Water, and the Planet 

Healthy soil is one of the world’s most critical natural resources, and it’s often overlooked. Soil is the foundation of thriving farms, and it’s the key to a sustainable future for agriculture and the planet as a whole.

For generations, farmers have been stewards of the planet’s soil, working in partnership with the land to cultivate healthy soil and produce the food that sustains communities around the world. In turn, soil gives back—it nurtures crops, conserves water, protects entire ecosystems, making it one of our most valuable natural resources. 

So, why does healthy soil matter?

Dane Hague, MyLand’s Co-Founder and CEO, breaks down the importance of healthy soil and how it impacts not only our food, but the nutrients inside our food: 

“Humanity has an opportunity to tackle significant challenges in front of us, starting with natural resources like water and soil. When we talk about the quality of our food, we are not just talking about food security, but also nutrient security. This is an untapped opportunity that starts with the health of our soil.”

With a whopping 95% of our food coming from soil, we all have a role to play in supporting soil health. For growers, investing in healthy soil means:

• More resilient crops
• Higher yields
• Long-term sustainability

For the broader community, understanding why healthy soil is important helps us advocate and support the essential work that farmers do every day. 

1. Healthy Soil is the Foundation of Life

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines soil health as “the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” Without healthy soil, plants would struggle to grow, which would disrupt the entire food chain—and life on the planet. 

Healthy soil sustains plant growth through an intricate dance of chemistry, physical properties, and biology. All of this provides essential nutrients to plants, supports root systems, and fosters a rich soil microbiome. The microbial life in soil mirrors the human microbiome, influencing plant health just as gut bacteria affect human health. 

2. Healthy Soil Supports the Livelihoods of Farmers and Ranchers

“In an era where many farmers face the pressures of economic uncertainty, soil degradation, and increasing weather extremes, the importance of soil regeneration extends far beyond just farming practices—it’s about securing the economic and emotional well-being of farming families,” said Mike LaMont, Senior Director of Algae Operations and Innovation at MyLand.  

Farmers rely on soil health to maintain productivity and preserve their way of life. When soil degrades, crop yields drop, input costs rise, and economic stress increases.

But the flip side is just as powerful: soil regeneration strengthens financial stability through higher-yielding crops and stronger pastures while reducing operational costs. Plus, healthy soil ensures that land remains productive—and valuable—for the next generation.

“Soil regeneration and soil health are wildly important,” continued LaMont. “The presence of healthy soil is really giving back their way of life. As their land goes, so goes their yield, so goes their herd…and in turn so goes their ability to have a sustainable income, to buy a new pair of boots before the old ones are completely worn through, to hand down their healthy, strong, and full-of-life land to their kids.”  

Farming is a long-term investment. Without soil health solutions, many farmers risk losing their livelihoods due to deteriorating land conditions. 

3. Healthy Soil Improves Water Conservation 

Water conservation is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today, and healthy soil plays a crucial role in its solution. With better water retention, plants can thrive even in drought conditions, reducing reliance on irrigation. 

How does this happen?  

• Healthy soil absorbs and stores more water—known as water holding capacity—which decreases water runoff and preventing drought stress in crops. 

• Soil aggregation improves water retention and drainage, which can help avoid flooding. 

“Healthy soil increases infiltration rates, absorbing rainfall and irrigation water. It enhances nutrient flow to plant roots, reducing water loss and improving moisture retention in both the soil and plant canopy,” said Kris Nichols, Research Director at MyLand.

Increasing organic matter and microbial life are a few of the things that help make soil healthier. When these happen, the soil’s ability to store water improves dramatically. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, increasing soil organic carbon by just 1% can increase water-holding capacity by thousands of gallons per acre. 

4. Healthy Soil Increases Plant Resilience and Reduces Stress

Plants are living organisms, and just like people, they experience stress. Drought, heat, pests, and disease all place significant strain on a crop’s ability to grow and thrive. One of the most powerful ways to reduce plant stress is by improving soil health.

Healthy soil provides a more stable, nutrient-rich, and moisture-retentive environment. Roots have easier access to the nutrients and water they need, even during dry spells. This means crops are better equipped to withstand environmental pressures without sacrificing yield or quality.

When soil has strong structure and abundant organic matter, it regulates temperature more effectively, maintains consistent moisture, and allows roots to grow deeper and stronger. This deep rooting system not only improves water uptake, but also helps plants access micronutrients and maintain health during adverse conditions.

In short, healthy soil makes resilient plants—and resilient plants are less likely to succumb to stressors that would otherwise limit their potential.

5. Healthy Soil Increases Crop Yield and Market Value

Soil that is biologically active and structurally sound creates ideal growing conditions. It allows plants to access more nutrients and water, reducing the need for synthetic inputs while enhancing natural productivity. When plants are supported by healthy soil, they’re more vigorous, more resilient, and ultimately, more productive.

MyLand growers have seen significant improvements in both crop yield and ROI. Healthier soil can also improve crop quality, which translates to better flavor, longer shelf life, and higher nutritional content.

This improvement in both quantity and quality can drive better prices at market, especially in high-value sectors such as specialty crops or organic farming. In a competitive and cost-conscious industry, this kind of value-added return on investment makes healthy soil one of the smartest economic decisions a grower can make.

6. Healthy Soil Supports Climate Resilience 

“As demonstrated across the news, scientific networks, and public in general, a key component to climate resistance is reducing the carbon content of what humans emit to the environment,” said LaMont. “As soil health increases, the amount of carbon sequestered into the soil will increase and hence reduce the human impact of carbon release to the environment.” 

Healthy soil is one of the most effective natural tools for carbon sequestration. When soil is properly managed, it absorbs carbon from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as supported by findings in a 2022 study published in the New Phytologist. 

How does healthy soil do this?  

Sustainable agriculture practices improve soil’s ability to capture and store carbon. What’s more is that healthy soil structures help plants withstand droughts, heavy rains, and extreme temperatures. 

Healthy soil also acts as a natural water filter, trapping pollutants and purifying water as it moves through the soil profile—protecting groundwater and downstream ecosystems.

A Future Built on Healthy Soil 

The importance of healthy soil goes beyond agriculture—it impacts food security (and nutrition!), water conservation, climate resilience, and biodiversity. By investing in soil health, we support farmers, protect natural resources, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. 

So, how can growers help make their soil the healthiest it can be?  

The answer is multifaceted and lies in sustainable farming practices. Here at MyLand, we help growers improve soil health through the use of live, native microalgae. These tiny organisms play a big role in increasing nutrient availability and boosting plant growth. 

How does microalgae do this?  

By producing essential biomolecules that strengthen plant roots, improve soil structure, and enhance nutrient absorption. These live, native microalgae contribute to soil structure, activate dormant microbes, and enhance nutrient cycling—creating conditions for healthier soil and higher yields.

“As the world population grows, farmers must increase production on the same acreage by improving soil health. Microbes and microalgae in the soil produce essential biomolecules that support healthier, more productive plants,” said Andy Ayers, Director of Algae Impact at MyLand 

Learn more about soil health and how MyLand could help your farm.