SOIL AND HUMAN HEALTH RELATIONSHIP: EXPLORING THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ECOSYSTEM AND WELL-BEING – A REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.2025.4499Keywords:
Soil health;, human health:, soil contamination;, environmental sustainability, nutrition , diseaseAbstract
This review examines the intricate connections between soil health and human well-being, highlighting both the benefits of healthy soils and the risks posed by soil contamination and degradation. A comprehensive literature review was conducted by synthesizing peer-reviewed articles, reports, and case studies published between 2000 and 2024, with earlier seminal works included where relevant. Sources were retrieved from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords including soil health, human health, soil contamination, food security, and ecosystem services. The selected literature was thematically analyzed to identify ecological, nutritional, biomedical, and policy dimensions of the soil–human health nexus. The review reveals that healthy soils are fundamental to food security, nutrition, disease prevention, and ecosystem stability. Conversely, degraded or contaminated soils contribute to micronutrient deficiencies, exposure to toxic substances, and the spread of soil-borne diseases. Case studies further illustrate the long-term health risks associated with pollutants such as heavy metals and persistent organic chemicals. The review also highlights emerging evidence of soil’s role in mental health and its potential for disease prevention through soil-derived compounds and beneficial microorganisms. The findings emphasizes the urgent need for integrated policies and sustainable soil management practices that address both agricultural productivity and public health. Strengthening soil conservation, remediation, and monitoring strategies will be critical in reducing health risks and ensuring resilient food systems. The review calls for interdisciplinary collaboration among soil scientists, public health experts, and policymakers to safeguard human health and environment the through the protection of soil resources.
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