Soil Health & Why It Matters
"Beneath our feet lies one of the most powerful ecosystems on Earth—soil. It’s not just dirt; it’s alive."
Here at the UCCS Farm, we treat soil as the foundation of everything we grow. Healthy soil is rich in organic matter, teeming with microbes, fungi, and insects that work together to support plant life. It’s like a bustling underground city, where every resident plays a role in keeping the system balanced.
Why is soil health so important?
Nutrient Cycling
Healthy soil breaks down organic material and recycles nutrients, making them available to plants. Without this process, crops would struggle to grow.
Water Retention
Good soil structure helps retain water, reducing the need for irrigation and protecting against drought.
Carbon Storage
Soil acts as a carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change by storing carbon that would otherwise be in the atmosphere.
Biodiversity
A single teaspoon of healthy soil can contain more organisms than there are people on Earth. This biodiversity supports resilient ecosystems.
At the farm, we use practices like composting and minimal tillage to build soil health. These methods not only improve our yields but also regenerate the land for future generations.
"When we care for the soil, we’re not just growing food—we’re growing sustainability."