Could Better Soil Treatment Be the Solution to Climate-Resilient Farming?

Have you ever wondered why two neighboring farms that grow the same crops in the same climate might have such a different level of success in that crop? Most of the time, the answer can be found literally right under our feet. Soil is not simply dirt; it is an incredibly complex living system that consists of a variety of nutrients, microbes, organic matter, and mineral content that can all have an impact on plant health. With the challenges agriculture faces today, soil treatment is, understandably, becoming the new frontier in science.

Understanding modern-day soil treatment approaches can lead to improved food production and environmental health. This blog will explore some of the most recent soil treatment techniques, benefits, and innovations of soil treatment that can improve soil fertility, soil pH, and crop yield. Are you ready to do a deep dive into the future of agriculture? Let's discover proper soil treatment!

Understanding Soil Treatment

Soil treatment refers to the various chemical, physical, and biological processes used to improve soil quality and make it more suitable for agriculture or construction. It includes activities such as nutrient amendment, pest control, pH regulation, decontamination, and structure improvement. A well-treated soil not only promotes plant growth but also reduces the risk of environmental pollution and land degradation. Soil treatment can be achieved through various techniques such as soil remediation, soil aeration, soil fertility management, and phytoremediation.

Key Market Stats

The global soil treatment market stood at USD 46.77 billion in 2024. The market is expected to reach USD 81.34 billion by 2034. It is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.7% during 2025–2034.

Benefits of Soil Treatment

Soil health and structure: Soil treatments can improve soil health and structure through the process of aggregation, which is the clumping of soil particles into larger aggregates. Soil treatments, particularly with cover cropping and compost, can increase soil organic matter.

Environmental Benefits: Improved soil structure and greater soil organic matter can stabilize the soil particles and consequently reduce soil erosion from wind and water. Soils can hold large amounts of carbon, and soil treatments such as cover cropping and no till can sequester carbon in soil, contributing to the reduction of climate change.

Biodiversity: Healthy soils host diverse organisms, including microbes, insects, and earthworms, all of which are important to soil health and ecosystem services. These soils can provide plants with optimal nutrition and moisture, growing plants that are stronger and healthier.

Long term Sustainability: Healthy soils can reduce the amount of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture and support the sustainable farming market. These soils are also more resilient to drought, flooding, and other environmental pressures. Soil treatments can also improve crop quality and provide the plants with nutrients for optimal growth.

Soil Treatment Market Trends

Bioaugmentation and Microbial Inoculants

Bioaugmentation and microbial inoculants are becoming more prevalent as sustainable soil treatment alternatives, and they provide a range of benefits for remediation, restoration, and agricultural uses. Farmers are leveraging beneficial microbes, in addition to synthetic fertilizers, to improve soil nutrient content and nutrient uptake for plants. These biological organisms act as ‘living fertilizers’ for natural nutrient cycling and to enhance plant disease resistance. For instance, bioaugmentation enhances the degradation of contaminants by inoculating the environment with specific microorganisms. At the same time, microbial inoculants improve soil health, nutrient availability, and resilience of plants.

Precision Soil Mapping and Smart Sensors

Precision soil mapping and smart sensors offer more efficient approaches to achieving soil health and sustainable agricultural practices. Precision soil mapping uses technologies such as GPS, ground-based soil moisture sensors, UAVs, and satellite imagery to produce detailed maps of soil properties. Soil maps allow farmers to understand the spatial distribution of nutrients, soil moisture, and other significant soil characteristics, which may permit improved application of inputs and better crop yields. Smart sensors, often integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT), provide continuous monitoring of multiple soil parameters, including moisture, nutrient availability, soil pH, and temperature.

Use of Biochar

Biochar is a charcoal-like substance made by pyrolysis of biomass. Biochar from the biochar market is being increasingly used for soil improvement and remediation. It is used to enhance soil fertility, increase moisture retention, reduce nutrient leaching, and remediate soils contaminated with pathogens or toxic chemical/s. Biochar also serves as a carbon sink, contributing to the mitigation of climate change. The trend is to utilize biochar for a variety of soil purposes, including agricultural use, remediation of contaminated soils, and general improvement of soil health.

Electrokinetic Remediation for Contaminated Soil

Electrokinetic remediation (EKR) is a soil treatment method that is developing as an in-situ remediation technology for the cleanup of heavy metals and other contaminants from low-permeability soils. This technology is specifically developed for the treatment of soil near industrial sites. By transmitting a low electrical current through contaminated soil, it is possible to remove heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other contaminants, thus rehabilitating the land and making it productive and safe for reuse. EKR is environmental-friendly, effective, and low-cost for the treatment of a variety of soil types and contaminants. EKR can be completed directly in situ and avoids some of the expensive handling and transportation of contaminated soil.

Conclusion

The agricultural sector is under pressure from climate change, resource depletion, and increasing food demand, making the treatment of soil a key solution. As biological, chemical, and precision-based development in approaches and technologies continue, the soil treatment market will continue to grow steadily. Investing in soil health is more than an environmental concern. It's a long-term agricultural strategy. To conclude, soil treatment is expected to play a vital role in creating a more resilient and sustainable global food system.