CFAES Give Today
Ohioline

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES
Horticulture
Food
Community
Home, Yard and Garden
Business and Land Ownership
Ag Crops and Livestock
Family and Youth
Farm Management
Energy and Environment
Insects and Pests

Home

Recent Updates

  1. Scoop of dirt being lifted toward test tube being held next to the ground.

    Soil Health Testing

    Nov 7, 2025

    Soil health reflects the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil. Unlike traditional soil fertility tests that focus on crop nutrient needs, soil health testing evaluates the soil’s ability to function as a vital living ecosystem.
  2. Standing in a crop field, an older man has his hand on a shovel full of dirt held by a young man.

    Biological Soil Health

    Nov 6, 2025

    It is widely known that healthy soil is the foundation of agricultural productivity and long-term profitability. Less known is the importance of living organisms within the soil. Bacteria, fungi, and other soil life drives decomposition, releases nutrients, suppresses certain diseases, and builds soil structure that improves water movement and storage.
  3. Hand holding dark dirt.

    Soil Health

    Nov 5, 2025

    Soil health, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/natural-resource-concerns/soil/soil-health), is, “the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” More specifically, healthy soil provides five essential function
More Updates