Soils and health

Soils and health

Case studies showing how soil is a factor in determining our health.

Soil is not usually the first thing we associate with human health, yet the two are linked more closely than many people realise. The case study in this theme examines tetanus — sometimes called lockjaw — a serious infection associated with soil-dwelling bacteria entering the body through cuts or wounds.

Soils harbour a vast diversity of micro-organisms. Most are harmless or beneficial, but a few can cause disease if they reach the bloodstream. Farmers, gardeners and anyone working outdoors may come into contact with these organisms, which is why vaccination and good hygiene around soil and manure remain important.

Understanding the soil–health connection also reminds us that land management affects public wellbeing in wider ways — through the quality of food grown, the cleanliness of water filtered through soil and the control of dust and pollutants. Even a single case study can open up a much larger picture of how the ground beneath us matters to daily life.