College of Sciences

A scientific article by Ms. Noor El-Huda Azmi Hassan entitled "The relationship between healthy soil and plant health" Date: 28/07/2025 | Viewers: 6

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Soil is the essential foundation for plant growth. It is the medium through which roots extend and absorb water and nutrients. Healthy soil is not just a mixture of sand and clay; it is an active biological environment containing microorganisms, organic matter, and minerals that together contribute to enhancing plant growth and productivity. Hence, the close and clear relationship between soil fertility and plant health is evident.

Healthy soil is one that:
Contains a balanced amount of organic matter.
Contains beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
Provides good aeration and drainage.
Retains its natural fertility and provides plants with essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

The Effect of Good Soil on Plant Growth
Strengthens Roots: In fertile soil, roots can extend freely and firmly, helping plants absorb water and nutrients efficiently.
Increases Plant Resistance: Microorganisms in the soil enhance plant resistance to disease, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
Increased yield and improved quality: Plants grown in healthy soil often produce larger, better-quality crops in terms of size, taste, and appearance.
Climatic tolerance: Soil rich in organic matter helps plants retain moisture, enabling them to withstand periods of drought or changing temperatures.

Signs of degraded soil:
Poor or absent plant growth.
Water pooling due to poor drainage.
Soil hardness and poor penetration.
Scarce organisms such as earthworms.

Methods for maintaining soil fertility:
Use organic fertilizers instead of harmful chemical fertilizers.
Implement crop rotation to avoid soil exhaustion.
Plant cover plants to protect the soil from erosion and runoff.
Adhere to a balanced irrigation system to avoid drought or waterlogging.
Plant health begins with soil quality. The more fertile the soil and the more vital elements it contains, the greater the chances of successful agriculture and healthy, natural plant growth. Soil conservation is an environmental and agricultural responsibility and is key to achieving sustainable food security and a healthy environment for future generations.


Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.