On BASE Ireland farms, soil is not just a growing medium — it is a living ecosystem. Biodiversity below ground is the foundation that supports productive crops, healthy livestock and resilient farm systems.
Healthy soils are full of life. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms and insects interact with plant roots to break down organic matter, cycle nutrients and build soil structure. When this underground biodiversity is functioning well, soils become more stable, better drained, more resilient to compaction and more efficient at supplying nutrients to crops and grass.
Farming practices have a major influence on this soil life. Reducing soil disturbance helps protect fungal networks and soil structure. Keeping soil covered — with crops, grass or residues — shields soil organisms from erosion, temperature extremes and moisture loss. Feeding the soil through diverse plant roots provides carbon and energy to soil biology, driving natural nutrient cycling and aggregation.
Plant diversity above ground leads directly to biodiversity below ground. Different plant species release different root exudates, supporting a wider range of soil organisms. Cover crops, Multi-species swards and diverse rotations increase root depth variation, improve soil structure and help break compaction layers. Legumes contribute nitrogen biologically, reducing reliance on synthetic fertiliser and supporting microbial activity.
Livestock also play a role in soil biodiversity when managed well. Grazing animals stimulate root growth, return organic matter to the soil and drive nutrient cycling. Dung provides food for beetles and soil organisms, which incorporate organic matter into the soil and improve nutrient availability. Integrated systems help reconnect these natural processes.
By focusing on soil biodiversity, farmers build soils that are more resilient to Ireland’s variable weather, more efficient in nutrient use and better able to support long-term productivity. Biodiversity in the soil is not an environmental add-on — it is a practical tool that underpins farm performance.