Soil health as a multidimensional concept to support resilience and viability of working lands in the Great Plains
Two studies with farmers and ranchers across the U.S. Great Plains reveal that soil health extends far beyond measurable soil properties. Producers view it as a multidimensional concept tied to resilience, economic viability and long‑term sustainability. By synthesizing qualitative insights, the research shows that soil health functions both as a monitoring goal and a marker of thriving operations. Emphasizing social, economic and ecological dimensions can better align science, technical assistance and market incentives with producer needs in a changing climate.
Subject Tags
- Agriculture
- Soils
Abstract
Soil health is an evolving concept in agricultural sciences, with a current emphasis on the metrics and properties used to measure the soil quality and its role in ecosystem health and farm and ranch production. While soil health indicators often reflect the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil, soil health colloquially can mean much more to producers than what can be measured in the soil profile itself. Two studies conducted with ranchers and farmers across the Great Plains region of the United States explored the multidimensionality of the concept of soil health and how producers perceive and manage for improved soil quality and associated soil health outcomes. We synthesize qualitative data from these two studies to explore how the concepts of soil health described by producers include but are not limited to biophysical properties of soil. Our results show that participants consider soil health to be both a specific goal of monitoring and a characteristic of resilient and viable operations. The results suggest that approaching soil health as a multidimensional concept aligns with producer priorities, local knowledge and sustainability goals to better support the future of agriculture in the Great Plains. Technical assistance providers and market actors may benefit from approaching soil health from not only the measurable or physical properties of the soil but also the economic and social benefits, as well as the biological. Centering soil health in concepts such as resilience in a changing climate and long-term economic viability can help bridge the science-industry gap and appeal to the more immediate needs of producers.
Citation
Grinnell, W., Jones, K., & Epstein, K. (2025). Soil health as a multidimensional concept to support resilience and viability of working lands in the Great Plains. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 80(4), 405-417. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224561.2025.2528288
TNC Authors
-
Katie Epstein
Interim Director of Conservation and Director of Science, Maine
The Nature Conservancy
Email: katie.epstein@tnc.org