Soil health considerations for global food security

Dianna K. Bagnall; John F. Shanahan; Archie Flanders; Cristine L.S. Morgan; C. Wayne Honeycutt

doi:10.1002/agj2.20783

journal article Open Access Aug 01, 2021

Soil health considerations for global food security

Dianna K. Bagnall

John F. Shanahan Archie Flanders Cristine L.S. Morgan C. Wayne Honeycutt

Agronomy Journal Vol. 113 No. 6 pp. 4581-4589 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/agj2.20783

Abstract

AbstractThe focus of this paper is the relationship between soil health and global food security. We discuss the role of climate change on food security and the role of farmer profitability in promoting soil health. Specific objectives were to (a) consider the role that U.S. agricultural production plays in global food security, (b) consider key mechanisms by which soil health impacts U.S. agricultural production, and (c) offer a comprehensive strategy to scale adoption of soil health systems. Based on the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Food Price Index, U.S. commodity exports influence global food prices, linking U.S. crop production to food security. Soil health affects food security through crop yield, crop yield resilience, and farmer profitability. Results relating soil health and crop yield are complicated by biophysical complexity, lack of standardized research practices, and the scale of research trials. Studies of the relationship between yield resilience and soil health are similarly inconclusive. Despite mixed research results, interviews with 100 U.S. farmers found over half reported increased crop yield due to soil health management systems, and most reported more resilient yields. Partial budget analysis of production information from 100 interviews found using soil health management systems increased net farm income (in 2020 U.S. dollars) by US$127.61 ha–1 ($51.66 acre–1) for maize (Zea mays L.) and $110.84 ha–1 ($44.87 acre–1) for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. We detail a path to increase adoption of soil health systems so healthy soils can serve as the foundation for producing food, mitigating climate change, and increasing farmer profitability.

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Details

Published: Aug 01, 2021
Vol/Issue: 113(6)
Pages: 4581-4589
License: View

Authors

D

Dianna K. Bagnall

Soil Health Institute Morrisville NC 27560 USA

J

John F. Shanahan

Soil Health Institute Morrisville NC 27560 USA; Yara North America Lincoln NE 68512 USA

A

Archie Flanders

Soil Health Institute Morrisville NC 27560 USA

C

Cristine L.S. Morgan

Soil Health Institute Morrisville NC 27560 USA

C

C. Wayne Honeycutt

Soil Health Institute Morrisville NC 27560 USA

Cite This Article

Dianna K. Bagnall, John F. Shanahan, Archie Flanders, et al. (2021). Soil health considerations for global food security. Agronomy Journal, 113(6), 4581-4589. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20783

Soil health considerations for global food security

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