Soil health and nutrient density: beyond organic vs

Summary

Montgomery and Biklé argue that the conventional framing of organic versus conventional farming is insufficient to explain variation in food nutrient density, and that soil health practices are a more meaningful predictor of nutritional outcomes. Drawing on available trial and observational data, the authors suggest that practices which support soil biology — including reduced tillage, cover crops, and compost application — are associated with improved micronutrient and phytonutrient profiles in crops. The paper makes a case for reorienting agricultural research and policy attention towards soil health as a driver of food quality, rather than certification status alone.

UK applicability

The review's findings are broadly applicable to UK farming contexts, particularly given current policy interest in regenerative agriculture and soil health under post-Brexit agri-environment schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive; the principles discussed are relevant to UK arable and horticultural producers seeking to improve produce quality alongside environmental outcomes.

Key measures

Crop mineral and phytonutrient concentrations (e.g. vitamins, polyphenols, micronutrients); soil health indicators (organic matter, microbial activity); farming system classification (organic, conventional, regenerative)

Outcomes reported

The paper examines how soil health management practices influence the nutrient density of food crops, comparing outcomes across organic, conventional, and regenerative farming systems. It assesses whether soil-focused practices — such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and reduced agrochemical inputs — are associated with higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients in produce.

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