Why Soil Matters

Summary

This video delves into the critical issue of soil degradation, a consequence of industrial agriculture, which is causing us to lose topsoil 17 times faster than it naturally forms. The script emphasizes the importance of healthy soil for plant growth and our survival, highlighting the need for a shift in agricultural practices. It points out that degraded soil not only affects food production but also our ability to combat climate change, as soil can store significant carbon. The video calls for a reevaluation of our agricultural methods, citing the economic and environmental benefits of soil conservation and the potential of innovative, low-till farming techniques.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Soil degradation is a critical issue often overlooked in climate discussions, with topsoil taking an average of 500 years to form naturally but being lost at a much faster rate.
• ⏱️ The United States has seen soil loss at approximately 17 times the rate of its formation due to modern agricultural practices.
• 🌾 Industrial agriculture, including intensive cultivation and mono-cropping, is a significant cause of soil degradation.
• 🔄 Soil health is vital as it supports a diverse ecosystem of organisms, including earthworms, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and arthropods.
• 🌊 Natural occurrences like floods and wind can damage soil, but human activities have accelerated the rate of topsoil loss.
• 🌱 Tillage practices used in industrial agriculture can compact soil and kill microorganisms, leading to a decline in soil fertility.
• 🌱 The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides further degrades soil health by altering its chemical composition and killing essential organisms.
• 🌍 According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, nearly 33% of the world's soil has been moderately or highly degraded.
• 🌿 Healthy soil is crucial for growing nutrient-dense food, and soil degradation threatens our ability to produce healthy crops in the future.
• 💡 Sustainable agricultural practices, such as minimal tillage, adding compost, and using natural fertilizers, can help improve soil health and mitigate climate change.

Q & A

How long does it take to naturally build an inch of topsoil?

It takes an average of 500 years to naturally build an inch of topsoil.

At what rate are we currently losing topsoil compared to its natural formation?

We are losing topsoil at 17 times the rate at which it is naturally formed.

What is soil degradation?

Soil degradation is the decline in soil health as a result of misuse or poor management.

What are some of the organisms that can be found in an acre of healthy soil?

An acre of soil may contain 900 pounds of earthworms, 2,400 pounds of fungi, 1,500 pounds of bacteria, 133 pounds of protozoa, 890 pounds of arthropods, and algae, and sometimes small mammals.

How has modern agricultural practice contributed to soil degradation?

Modern agricultural practices such as intensive cultivation and mono-cropping have led to increased soil erosion and degradation.

What is the impact of tillage on the soil's microorganisms?

Tillage aerates the soil but also compacts it underneath, killing many of the microorganisms that are essential for soil health.

Why is maintaining soil health important for our food system?

Healthy soil is the foundation for healthy plants, which are crucial for our survival. Degraded soil can make it harder to grow nutrient-dense food in the future.

What percentage of the world's soil has been moderately or highly degraded?

Almost 33% of the world's soil has been moderately or highly degraded.

How can soil degradation affect our ability to mitigate climate change?

Soil can store almost three times more carbon than forests and other vegetation, so killing it could lead to our inability to mitigate climate change.

What is the estimated annual investment needed for soil erosion control in the United States according to the PMON Telles study?

The total investment for soil erosion control in the United States would be about eight point four billion dollars per year.

What are some alternative agricultural practices that can help build soil health?

Alternative practices include adding compost and natural fertilizers like turkey manure to the soil, and minimizing the cultivation of the land.