Soil as a Biological System and Its New Category—Health

Abstract

It is proposed that soil should be considered a biological system with the following notions: “soil ecosystem” or “ecosystem of soil.” A new, integral characteristic of the soil ecosystem—soil health—is addressed. Parameters and methods essential to define soil health and characterize this new category are provided. Natural soil ecosystems and agroecosystems are discussed and compared. Conventional and organic land use systems are addressed in relation to agroecosystems. The need to determine and assess the health of soil ecosystems with respect to the land-use type is highlighted. Activities and methods required to preserve and protect the health of soil ecosystems, the significance of “activity suppression” in soil ecosystems, and means to diagnose soil health and to use therapy in modern agroecosystems are discussed.