How Medicinal Plants Improve Soil Health and Fight Climate Change

Medicinal plants do more than heal our bodies—they play a key role in keeping our soil healthy and fighting climate change. On World Soil Day, let’s take a closer look at how these incredible plants contribute to better soil and a greener planet.

Medicinal Plants and Carbon Storage

Medicinal plants like Terminalia bellirica (Baheda) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) capture carbon dioxide from the air and store it in their roots and leaves. This process helps reduce greenhouse gases while also improving the soil’s organic content, making it richer and more fertile.

Boosting Soil Health Naturally

Medicinal plants help recycle nutrients in the soil. For example:

• Plants like Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) add natural nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
• They also release nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, which keep the soil balanced and ready for farming.

Helping the Soil Hold Water

Plants like Aloe vera and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) improve how the soil absorbs and holds water. This helps prevent water from running off and keeps the ground moist, even during dry seasons—a lifesaver in drought-prone areas.

Protecting Soil from Erosion

Medicinal plants’ roots hold the soil together, protecting it from being washed or blown away. For instance:

• Vetiver grass is famous for its deep roots that stop landslides.
• Shrubs act as windbreakers, keeping the soil in place.

Food Forests: A Win-Win for Soil and People

Food forests with medicinal plants mimic natural ecosystems. They include:

• Trees like Neem (Azadirachta indica) that store carbon and enrich the soil.
• Herbs like Turmeric (Curcuma longa) increase soil’s microbial life, making it healthier.

These forests not only protect the soil but also provide food, medicine, and clean water—supporting both nature and communities.

Simple Steps for Better Soil

Incorporating medicinal plants into farming and gardening can make a huge difference.

Here’s how:

• Intercropping: Grow medicinal plants alongside crops to enrich the soil and keep pests away naturally.
• Green Manuring: Use plants like Sesbania to add organic matter to the soil.
• Mulching: Cover the soil with plant residues to retain moisture.
• Agroforestry: Combine trees and crops to protect and rejuvenate the soil.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The use of medicinal plants in soil health directly contributes to several SDGs:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Healthier soil leads to increased agricultural productivity and food security.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Medicinal plants improve both soil and human health by providing natural remedies.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – By sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gases, these plants help combat climate change.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Protecting soil and ecosystems promotes sustainable land use and biodiversity.

Let’s Act Now

Medicinal plants are nature’s gift to us and our soils. By integrating them into our farming and conservation practices, we can restore soil health, fight climate change, and create a sustainable future. On this World Soil Day, let’s celebrate these unsung heroes and make them part of our everyday lives!

Author - Dr. Tabassum

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