Improving Soil Biological Health

May 25, 2026

India’s soil health continues to decline, driven by factors such as the overuse and imbalanced use of fertilisers, topsoil erosion, and intensive, chemical-dependent agronomic practices. At the core of this crisis lies the often-overlooked dimension of soil biological health, which is fundamental to restoring soil’s overall function.

This report focuses on the potential role of soil biological health in improving soil health in India. It explains what soil biological health is, why it is important for overall soil health, and identifies the challenges and possibilities of including biological parameters in soil health monitoring in India. The report also provides policy and implementation suggestions for the way forward.