Abstract
<jats:p>The One Health framework acknowledges the intrinsic interdependence among human, animal, and environmental health, positioning soil and water systems at the core of ecosystem stability and public well-being. Within this paradigm, soil and water are regarded as co-regulators of planetary health, and any degradation within these systems propagates across ecological and human dimensions. Healthy soils function as biogeochemical regulators that sustain nutrient cycling, water filtration, and contaminant attenuation. Conversely, the deterioration of soil–water interactions through erosion, pollution, or unsustainable management undermines ecosystem services and threatens public health. Preserving the functional integrity of these interactions should therefore be a central objective of future One Health initiatives. Despite their importance, characterizing the subsurface heterogeneity that governs complex soil–water processes, particularly within the Vadose Zone, remains a major challenge due to data scarcity and measurement constraints. Recent advancements in modeling techniques, monitoring technologies, and conservation practices provide new opportunities for data-informed management of soil and water resources. Integrating these innovations into policy frameworks and global health strategies is crucial for building resilient ecosystems. Geochemical simulations, for instance, enable the prediction of pollutant transport and transformation under variably saturated conditions in the Vadose Zone. The literature underscores the vital role of conservation agriculture, continuous monitoring, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in enhancing soil health and water productivity. Transdisciplinary strategies that bridge hydrology, soil science, microbiology, and public health are essential for achieving sustainable resource management aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, effective policy instruments and robust governance frameworks are indispensable for translating One Health principles into actionable strategies, particularly in the realms of water resource management and pollution mitigation. This paper synthesizes current scientific insights into soil–water interactions, emphasizing their role as a dynamic interface that regulates infiltration, percolation, and contaminant transport across terrestrial ecosystems.</jats:p>