dirt and shovel

Soil health impacts plant growth

What's so important about soil? Only everything.

Soil supports all life. It provides the foundation for plant growth for food production, livestock grazing, infrastructure development, and human enjoyment. Keeping soil healthy is vital for the survival of all life on earth. University of Illinois Extension provides easy-to-understand research that will help you nourish the land for improved production of crops, vegetables, gardens, and landscapes while carefully managing risks to humans and the environment. 

Start your journey to healthier soil

Women testing soil in a green house

Find a Soil Lab

Hands holding soil

Collect Soil Samples

Farmer kneeling with hands in the dirt

Interpret Test Results

Begin to learn how soil impacts your daily life

Share the responsibility for protecting this vital natural resource.