What is one effective way to improve soil health?

Practicing crop rotation is an effective way to improve soil health because it enhances the diversity of the crops being grown over a sequence in a particular area. This method allows for a natural balance of nutrients in the soil, reduces the prevalence of pests and diseases that typically thrive on a single crop type, and can break the cycles of nutrient depletion commonly seen in monoculture farming. Additionally, different crops have varying root structures and nutrient requirements, which helps to improve soil structure and fertility over time.

In contrast, using synthetic fertilizers exclusively often leads to soil degradation, as they can result in nutrient runoff, reduced microbial activity, and an imbalance of nutrients in the soil. Constantly tilling the soil can disrupt its structure, harm microbial life, and increase erosion, which is detrimental to long-term soil health. Limiting organic matter inputs restricts the addition of essential nutrients and can lead to a decline in soil fertility, further compounding issues related to soil degradation. Therefore, embracing crop rotation stands out as a sustainable practice for enhancing soil vitality.