Bridging the conceptual gap between soil quality and soil health for one health

Soil quality and soil health are frequently used interchangeably, creating conceptual confusion that limits their utility in science, communication, and policy. This paper argues that clarifying the distinction between these terms strengthens the bridge between soil security and the One Health framework. We synthesize the literature to demonstrate that soil quality, originally a technical term focused on specific soil functions, has evolved into the more integrative concept of soil health, which encompasses biological processes, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being. We argue that soil health provides a more effective framework for policy, farmer engagement, and public communication. However, misconceptions about soil health are also observed among the public and scientists, such as the case of Typic Haplohemists in swamplands or Sulfic Hydraquents in mangroves, which are sometimes mischaracterized as unhealthy soils. Both soil types are healthy in their natural state, but because they are fragile, mismanagement can rapidly degrade them, resulting in unhealthy soils. Clarifying this conceptual distinction will improve research focus, accelerate policy adoption, and facilitate transdisciplinary collaboration.