One Health is an integrated approach to understanding how human, animal, and environmental health are all connected.
The Vital Connection Between Soil, Food, Health and Ecosystem
In a world that’s increasingly focused on health, it’s easy to think of it in terms of individual bodies—our own health and wellness, that of our families, and even the healthcare systems that support us. But what if we told you that true health doesn’t start with humans at all? What if it starts with the soil beneath our feet?
One Health is an approach that highlights the deep connection between human health, animal health, and the environment. It’s an understanding that everything is linked, and our wellbeing relies on a healthy, balanced ecosystem. At the heart of One Health is the recognition that when we take care of the environment—specifically the soil—we can cultivate not just healthy crops but also healthier people and animals.
Regenerative farming practices offer a powerful way to create this interconnected health system. By focusing on soil health and biodiversity, regenerative farming nurtures a thriving ecosystem that in turn supports human and animal health. Let’s explore why caring for the soil is so important, how it ties into the One Health concept, and how this approach leads to better, more nutrient-dense food for all.
One Health is an integrated approach to understanding how human, animal, and environmental health are connected. It recognises that these three components are not isolated from one another, but rather work in tandem. A change in one area—whether it’s the health of our soil, the well-being of animals, or the nutrition in our food—affects the others.
This holistic approach to health emphasises the importance of keeping ecosystems in balance to ensure the wellbeing of people, animals, and the planet. For instance, by caring for the environment (especially the soil), we are able to grow food that is nutrient-rich and supports the health of the people and animals who consume it. On the flip side, poor soil health can lead to poor-quality food, which can negatively affect human and animal health.
Soil is often overlooked, but it is the foundation of the One Health concept. Healthy soil is teeming with life, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and other microorganisms that are vital to plant growth. These organisms create a vibrant ecosystem that supports the plants we eat and the animals we raise. But soil isn’t just a growing medium; it’s also a living, breathing system that directly impacts the nutritional quality of the food we consume.
When soil is healthy, plants grow strong and vibrant, packed with nutrients that benefit our bodies. The soil acts as a filter, absorbing and storing nutrients, water, and carbon. It also plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity—helping to regulate the water cycle, maintain air quality, and even sequester carbon, which helps combat climate change.
Unfortunately, when soil is depleted, compacted, or contaminated—such as through conventional farming practices that rely heavily on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides—it becomes much less effective at supporting plant growth and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. This not only affects the quality of the food we grow, but it also impacts the overall health of the environment, animals, and humans.
Regenerative farming is an approach that focuses on rebuilding soil health, increasing biodiversity, and improving the overall ecosystem. Unlike conventional farming, which often depletes the soil by using synthetic chemicals, regenerative farming works with nature to restore the natural balance of the land. This approach prioritises practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, and reduced tillage, all of which help to protect and nourish the soil.
By using regenerative farming techniques, we can enhance the nutrient density of our food. For example, growing food in soil that’s rich in organic matter and microorganisms allows plants to absorb a wider range of nutrients, leading to crops that are not only healthier but more flavorful and nutritious. Nutrient-dense food plays a crucial role in One Health—it fuels our bodies, supports the immune system, and provides the essential vitamins and minerals we need for good health.
Moreover, regenerative farming doesn’t just benefit humans. By maintaining healthy soil and promoting biodiversity, we create healthier ecosystems for animals as well. For instance, soil health directly impacts the quality of the forage available for livestock. Animals grazing on healthy pastures filled with a variety of plants are more likely to be healthy themselves, resulting in better quality meat, milk, and eggs for human consumption.
One of the biggest reasons soil health is a cornerstone of One Health is because it directly impacts the nutritional quality of our food. Plants get their nutrients from the soil, and when the soil is lacking essential minerals and microorganisms, the food we grow can be nutrient-deficient. This means that even if we eat plenty of food, we may not be getting the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy.
In regenerative farming, soil health is given top priority. By increasing the diversity of plants, using organic natural fertilisers, and avoiding harmful chemicals, regenerative practices rebuild and maintain the fertility of the soil. This allows plants to thrive and absorb the full spectrum of nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. In turn, the food we harvest from that soil is far more nutrient-dense than conventionally grown produce.
For example, studies have shown that crops grown in healthy, biodiverse soil are higher in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This is because a thriving soil ecosystem supports a wider range of beneficial microorganisms, which in turn help plants access a greater array of nutrients. Foods that are rich in these nutrients are key to maintaining a healthy immune system, strong bones, and overall vitality.
The One Health model teaches us that everything is interconnected. By caring for the soil, we are not only enhancing food quality, but we are also supporting a healthier environment and promoting the well-being of animals. Regenerative farming practices help to restore balance to the ecosystem, creating a self-sustaining system where soil, plants, animals, and people can all thrive together.
Incorporating regenerative practices into our food systems can lead to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future. It helps to mitigate the environmental impacts of conventional farming, reduces the need for harmful chemicals, and ensures that the food we produce is as nourishing as possible.
As the world faces challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and the rise of chronic health conditions, the One Health approach offers a hopeful way forward. By focusing on the health of the soil, we are not only ensuring that our food is nutrient-rich but also creating a healthier environment and supporting the well-being of future generations.
Caring for our soil isn’t just about producing better food; it’s about nurturing the entire ecosystem that sustains us. It’s about understanding that true health goes beyond the individual, and that by taking care of the planet, we can take care of ourselves and all living creatures.
Soil health and nutrient density: preliminary comparison of regenerative and conventional farming: Research has demonstrated that crops grown in healthy, biodiverse soils often exhibit higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. For instance, a study comparing regeneratively grown crops to those from conventional farms found that the former had 15% more total carotenoids, 20% more total phenolics, and 22% more total phytosterols. Additionally, these crops contained 11% more calcium, 16% more phosphorus, and 27% more copper.
Plant biodiversity and the regeneration of soil fertility: restoring plant biodiversity in nutrient-poor soils led to significant increases in soil fertility, which in turn enhanced the nutrient content of crops. The research found that diverse plant species growing together improved soil fertility more effectively than monocultures, leading to better nutrient availability for plants.
Study shows nutritional benefits in regenerative agriculture crops: compared crops from regenerative agriculture farms with those from conventional farms, finding that the regenerative crops had 34% more vitamin K, 15% more vitamin E, 14% more vitamin B1, and 17% more vitamin B2. They also contained 11% more calcium, 16% more phosphorus, and 27% more copper.
Can Regenerative Agriculture Improve the Nutritional Content of Food? The University of California, Chico, indicates that regenerative agriculture practices can positively impact the nutrient content of crops. The study found that regenerative methods led to increased levels of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, and zinc in crops.
Other Information
World Health Organisation WHO: One Health
CDC: One Health
World Organisation for Animal Health: One Health
European Commission: What is the One Health approach?
