Soil has been called the “living skin” of planet Earth, an essential but fragile part of the bio­sphere. As such, it responds negatively to abuse and neglect, and positively to care. Attention to soil health (or soil quality) has waxed and waned over the years, but it’s on the upswing now. The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission has rated soil health as a top priority for the past several years. And, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is launching a new Soil Health Initiative that focuses on the following principles for improving soil health: Minimize soil disturbance. […]