Soil is even more than clay/silt/sand particles, water, air and organic material.  The biodiversity of organisms within the soil is very important to the health of the soil. Small animals, worms, insects, microbes, bacteria, fungi and other organisms make up the biodiversity needed for healthy soil to function within the ecosystem and environment.   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offers a variety of tools and resources for farmers and agriculturists, including ways to promote quality soil health.  Farmers today are increasingly practicing soil health practices such as cover cropping, "no-till" field prep, and diverse crop rotation to increase the soil's organic matter and microbial activity. These activities increase carbon sequestration, water infiltration and habitat and decrease the need for artificial additives and pesticides. Healthy soil provides nutrients needed by plants to thrive.