FAO SOILS PORTAL

Soil properties

Cabbage seedlings in Senegal

Soil quality varies and soils respond differently, depending on the management inputs. Elements of the soil quality include physical, chemical and biological properties. Soil quality has both inherent and dynamic characteristics.

Soil health has been defined as "the ability of the soil to sustain the productivity, diversity, and environmental services of terrestrial ecosystems” (ITPS, 2020).