It took almost two decades for the paradigm shift advocated by Letey (1991) [Australian Journal of Soil Research 29(6), 699–707] for research on soil structure to gather momentum. In this article, we explain why that was the case, and why now this shift is crucial, at a time where we need to deal increasingly with issues related to soil functions. Letey’s (1991) article also encourages us to not be afraid of venturing into new fields and to ask probing questions about them.

Cover crops have been widely used in agroecosystems to improve soil fertility and environmental sustainability. It is important to manage cover crop mixtures to efficiently deliver multiple benefits. We found that applying the mixture of cover crop residues had a synergistic effect on soil respiration, and an additive effect on soil microbial community structure. Thus, mixing cover crop residues may deliver enhanced soil functions beyond the sum of individual cover crop residues.

Extensive evaluation of no-till system on soil properties and crop yields compared to conventional till system is needed. Comparison of no-till compared to conventional till in two long-term (14–36 years old) dryland farming sites showed that no-till enhanced 20–23, but reduced 6–11 out of 66 soil physical, chemical, biological and biochemical properties and sustained or enhanced crop yields. The no-till system can overall enhance soil health and crop yields in dryland cropping systems in the semi-arid northern Great Plains, USA.

This study investigated the effects on soil structure of a change in management from semi-arid chenopod shrubland used for grazing to intensely cultivated horticulture. This resulted in poorly structured soils with major problems of water penetration and surface crusting, which can affect yield. The levels of sodium (sodicity), salts (electrolytes) and organic matter in soil influenced the poor structure. Adding gypsum (a calcium salt), irrigation with good-quality water and minimising cultivation lowers sodium and electrolyte levels and improves soil structure.

The addition of organic residues in agricultural systems benefits the soil biota; however, intensive and consecutive use can change this biota and, consequently, the functionality it performs in the soil. In the grain production area of southern Brazil, Collembola population was predominant in both soils and stations with the addition of liquid dairy manure for 4 years. The application of liquid dairy manure did not affect the functioning of the local ecosystem, considering the ecological services of the biota as basis.