How Soil Health Influences Human Health: The Vital Connection Between Soil Health in Human Wellbeing

14th March 2025

Soil health is a critical yet often overlooked factor that significantly impacts human wellbeing. From the food we eat to the air we breathe; healthy soils play a vital role in maintaining our overall health. As we discover more about the wonderful world beneath our feet and its connection to human health in 2025’s Goodwood Health Summit, presented by Randox Health, we discover ten surprising ways soil health affects your wellbeing.

  • Health Summit

  • soil health

  • gut health

  • latest news

  • Sustainability

  • goodwood home farm

  • organic

GOODWOOD ESTATE PROJECT..STARTED IN 2019, COMMISSIONED BY DR

Boosts Nutrient Density in Food

Healthy soils are rich in organic matter and microbial diversity, which enhance the nutrient content of crops. Nutrient-dense foods support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For instance, soils abundant in beneficial microorganisms can decrease plant diseases, leading to healthier and more nutritious crops.

Susan, Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, was famously one of the trailblazers of Britain’s organic movement. As one of the earliest members of The Soil Association, her passion for sustainable practices and the food we eat continues to shape Goodwood today.

Supports Mental Wellbeing

Regenerative farming practices improve soil health, leading to the production of nutrient-rich foods that can positively impact mental health. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants found in healthy crops are crucial for brain function. Consuming these nutrient-dense foods can help reduce the risk of mental health disorders.

Enhances Gut Health

Soil microbiomes contribute to the diversity of the human gut microbiome. Consuming foods grown in healthy soils can improve gut health, which is linked to better digestion, immunity, and mental health. A diverse gut microbiome is essential for preventing various diseases and maintaining overall health.

Reduces Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Regenerative farming minimises the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. This leads to cleaner, safer food and a healthier environment. Reduced chemical exposure is beneficial for both human health and the ecosystem.

Promotes Sustainable Food Production

Healthy soils are essential for sustainable agriculture, which is crucial for feeding the growing global population. By 2050, we will need to feed close to 10 billion people, making soil health a critical factor in food security. Sustainable farming practices ensure long-term productivity and food availability.

Improves Food Quality

Soil health directly impacts the quality of food produced. Healthy soils lead to better-tasting and more nutritious crops, enhancing overall food quality. High-quality food is not only more enjoyable but also more beneficial for health.

Supports Biodiversity

Regenerative farming practices enhance soil health and promote biodiversity. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient and can better support human health by providing a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Biodiversity in agriculture helps maintain ecological balance and food security. At Goodwood, we’re working with Re-Genus to restore ancient soil ecosystems using fungi-enriched fertilisers and regenerative techniques. You can read more about this important work to increase biodiversity in Goodwood Home Farm’s soil here.

Mitigates Climate Change

Healthy soils play a role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. This contributes to a stable environment, which is essential for human health and wellbeing. Soil health is a key factor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating global warming.

Reduces Soil Degradation

The UN warns that 90% of the Earth's topsoil is at risk of degradation by 2050. Healthy soils prevent erosion and degradation, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and food security. Preventing soil degradation is crucial for maintaining fertile land and sustainable food production.

Enhances Crop Resilience

Microbial diversity in soil improves crop resilience to pests and diseases. This leads to more reliable food production and reduces the risk of crop failure, which is vital for maintaining food supply. Resilient crops are essential for food security and reducing the impact of agricultural challenges.

Why Soil Health Matters

- 95% of our food comes from the soil.

- By 2050, our planet will need to feed close to 10 billion people

- Over the last 100 years, more than 90% of crop varieties have disappeared.

- Nine plant species account for 66% of total crop production, despite the fact that there are at least 30,000 edible plants.

- The UN warns that 90% of the Earth's topsoil is at risk of degradation by 2050, severely impacting soil fertility and crop production.

- Healthy soils contribute to nutrient-rich food, supporting a diverse human microbiome and reducing chronic disease risks.

- Microbial diversity is essential in both soil (for crop resilience and carbon capture) and human health (for immunity and disease prevention).

By understanding and promoting healthy soil practices, we can ensure a sustainable and nutritious food supply for generations to come. Soil health is not just an agricultural issue; it is a fundamental aspect of human health and environmental sustainability.

Goodwood Health Summit 2025, Presented by Randox Health

The connection between soil health and human health is the central theme of this year's Goodwood Health Summit presented by Randox Health, taking place on Thursday 2 October 2025. This summit will feature a world-leading panel of experts who will explore the intricate relationships between the soil microbiome and the human microbiome, highlighting how these two ecosystems influence each other and overall health

Join the online audience at the 2025 Goodwood Health Summit, presented by Randox Health.  

  • Health Summit

  • soil health

  • gut health

  • latest news

  • Sustainability

  • goodwood home farm

  • organic

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