Interdisciplinary System Strategy to Human Health By Operationalization of the “One Health Concept”

Soil properties and processes have both positive and negative effects on human health and well-being. Growing emphasis on soil health to benefit human health is based on the interconnectivity of the “One Health Concept”. Adverse effects on human health may be due to soil degradation (erosion, compaction, inundation), reduced availability of some essential plant nutrients, and by uptake of heavy metals (Lead, Selenium, Mercury, Arsenic, Copper etc.). Prevalence of nanoplastic particles in agricultural soils is another high risk to human health. Thus, there is an urgent need for protection and restoration of soil health. Deficiency of micronutrients (or “hidden hunger”) is a global issue and can be alleviated through biofortification and bioremediation of toxicity of elements (Lead, Mercury, Cobalt, Selenium, Zirconium) from contaminated and polluted soils. Soil health (i.e., chemical, physical, biological, and ecological) must be protected, restored, and sustained through upscaling and widespread adoption of judicious land use and soil/crop/water/nutrient/livestock management practices that restore rather than degrade. The focus of regenerative agriculture is to produce adequate, nutritious, and safe food. The focus on producing large quantities of food must be shifted to growing nutritious and safe food in a healthy environment. The latter comprises of clean air, clean water, healthy soil, and a sustainable landscape with high biodiversity. Policy and laws are needed to protect and restore soil health. Curricula in schools must be revised to include study of soil and environment in relation to human health and well-being. Connecting people with nature in general and soil in particular is important so that they understand that healthy food comes from healthy soil managed in a healthy environment.