True value accounting of soil health: Recognising soil as natural capital in sustainable agri-food systems

Abstract

Healthy soil supports crop production, stores carbon, holds water, recycles nutrients and protects land from erosion. Yet most farm assessments count mainly yield, cost and income. This leaves many benefits of soil improvement outside the farm account. True value accounting offers a simple way to connect better soil condition with the services it provides to farmers and society. The approach can help India recognise the wider value of conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient management, crop diversification and integrated farming systems, and can support better decisions on technology, incentives and soil restoration programmes.