Soil Health: explained
A trail sign in a public park. Staying on marked trails protects biological soil crusts and prevents compaction, two of the simplest ways hikers can support soil health without realizing it.
Frequently asked questions
What is soil health and why does it matter for rewilding?
Healthy soil is itself a complex living ecosystem. It is home to bacteria, fungi, nematodes, earthworms, beetles, and thousands of other species that drive nutrient cycling, water filtration, carbon storage, and plant growth. Rewilding depends on soil health because degraded soil cannot support diverse plant communities, which in turn cannot support diverse animal communities. Restoring soil biology is often the first and most critical step in any rewilding project.
What are mycorrhizal networks?
Mycorrhizal networks are webs of fungal threads (hyphae) that connect plant roots underground. These networks, sometimes called the "wood wide web," allow trees and plants to share water, nutrients, and chemical signals. Research by Suzanne Simard and others has shown that established trees use mycorrhizal networks to support seedlings, and that forest resilience depends on the integrity of these fungal connections. Tillage and pesticides destroy mycorrhizal networks, which is why rewilded land typically outperforms tilled land in ecological recovery.
How long does soil take to recover after rewilding?
Recovery timelines vary by organism. Bacterial and fungal communities begin recovering within months of removing tillage and pesticides. Earthworm populations typically recover within 2–5 years. Mycorrhizal networks take 5–15 years to fully establish. Soil organic matter and carbon stocks can take decades to a century to reach old-growth levels. However, meaningful ecological function, including improved water retention and nutrient cycling, is typically restored within 5-10 years of rewilding.
How does soil health relate to climate change?
Soils are the planet's largest terrestrial carbon store, holding approximately 2,500 gigatons of carbon, three times more than all vegetation. Degraded soils release stored carbon as CO2, contributing to climate change. Rewilded soils, by contrast, sequester carbon from the atmosphere through plant growth and the accumulation of organic matter. Peatlands are particularly important: a single intact peat bog can store thousands of years of accumulated carbon, which is rapidly released when peat is drained for agriculture.