PHW Newsletter - Edition 13

A Word from Dr. Davis

From Ground to Gut: How Soil Health Shapes Human Health

The Intersection of Soil and Human Health

Soil is the foundation of life on Earth. It nurtures plants, stores water, cycles nutrients, and supports ecosystems that sustain humans and countless other species. However, soil health has often been neglected throughout history, sometimes with catastrophic consequences. For example, during the early 20th century, unsustainable farming practices in the United States led to the Dust Bowl. This environmental disaster devastated millions of acres, resulting in massive topsoil erosion, crop failure, and widespread famine.

“You didn’t fail, you learned something.” — Brian Alexander, Ranching Reboot Podcast

Dirt vs. Soil: A Critical Distinction

While “dirt” and “soil” are often used interchangeably, they represent fundamentally different concepts. Dirt is lifeless and inorganic. Soil, by contrast, is alive – a dynamic system that contains minerals, organic matter, air, water, and a vibrant community of microorganisms. This life in the soil is what makes it capable of cycling nutrients, storing water, and sustaining plant growth.

Nutrient Density and Human Health

The nutrient content of crops is directly influenced by the quality of the soil in which they grow. Soil rich in organic matter and microbial diversity produces food with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Magnesium levels in crops have declined significantly over the past 50 years due to soil depletion. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as those of zinc, iron, and selenium, are widespread and linked to poor soil health.

“The soil microbiome and the gut microbiome are almost identical. And so, the two just go hand in hand.” — Gail Fuller, Fuller Field School, Severy, KS

Healthy Soil Produces Nutrient-Dense Animals

The health of the soil directly impacts the health and quality of animal-based foods. When cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens graze on land with rich, biodiverse soils, they consume plants filled with essential nutrients. Beef raised on nutrient-rich pastured land contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Similarly, chickens allowed to forage naturally produce eggs with significantly higher levels of vitamin D.

Healthy Soil as a Sponge

Soils rich in organic matter can hold up to 20 times their weight in water, ensuring that plants have consistent access to moisture even during dry spells. Degraded soils lose their ability to hold water, leading to runoff, erosion, and lower crop yields.

Rebuilding Soil Health for a Healthier Future

Regenerating soil health is not solely the responsibility of farmers; consumers play a vital role. By connecting with local farmers, consumers can “shake the hand that feeds them.” Supporting farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and local food co-ops strengthens regional food networks.

“The farm is here to work for us and not us for the farm.” — Daniel King, Jako Farm, Hutchinson, KS

Rooted in Resilience

Despite the profound influence on human nutrition, immunity, and overall well-being, soil health has often been overlooked in public health discussions. Evidence has shown that revitalizing soil ecosystems is essential for sustaining both human and environmental health.

“The soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all. It is the healer and restorer and resurrector, by which disease passes into health, age into youth, death into life.” — Wendell Berry

By fostering connections between farmers and consumers and adopting sustainable practices at all levels, we can create a food system that honors the vital role of soil. Investing in soil health is not merely an agricultural imperative; it is a strategy for building healthier communities and securing the well-being of future generations. Soil is not just the ground beneath our feet—it is the foundation of life itself.