Soil health considerations for global food security

Abstract

The focus of this paper is the relationship between soil health and global food security. We discuss the role of climate change on food security and the role of farmer profitability in promoting soil health. Specific objectives were to (a) consider the role that U.S. agricultural production plays in global food security, (b) consider key mechanisms by which soil health impacts U.S. agricultural production, and (c) offer a comprehensive strategy to scale adoption of soil health systems. Based on the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Food Price Index, U.S. commodity exports influence global food prices, linking U.S. crop production to food security. Soil health affects food security through crop yield, crop yield resilience, and farmer profitability. Results relating soil health and crop yield are complicated by biophysical complexity, lack of standardized research practices, and the scale of research trials. Studies of the relationship between yield resilience and soil health are similarly inconclusive. Despite mixed research results, interviews with 100 U.S. farmers found over half reported increased crop yield due to soil health management systems, and most reported more resilient yields. Partial budget analysis of production information from 100 interviews found using soil health management systems increased net farm income (in 2020 U.S. dollars) by US$127.61 ha–1 ($51.66 acre–1) for maize (Zea mays L.) and $110.84 ha–1 ($44.87 acre–1) for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. We detail a path to increase adoption of soil health systems so healthy soils can serve as the foundation for producing food, mitigating climate change, and increasing farmer profitability.