Working the land for our climate - Healthy soil, healthy world | DW Documentary

Summary

This video explores innovative solutions for revitalizing and protecting soil to combat climate change. It highlights farmers transitioning to humus farming, a method that enriches the soil rather than depleting it. The story of Joseph Nagel in Austria illustrates the positive impact of sustainable farming practices, showing how building humus can capture CO2 and restore degraded land. Additionally, it covers efforts in Mindloys, Germany, where old industrial sites are being transformed into green spaces to benefit the environment. The video emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment to soil health as a vital part of climate action.

Takeaways

• 😀 Soil is a vital foundation for life, providing nourishment to countless organisms, but it is being increasingly damaged by human activity such as pollution and overexploitation.
• 🌍 Regenerating soil, especially by building up humus, could help capture all the CO2 in the atmosphere, making it a powerful solution to climate change.
• 🌱 Humus farming practices focus on nurturing soil life rather than depleting it, helping build fertility without using harmful fertilizers or pesticides.
• 👨‍🌾 Farmers like Josef Nagel in Austria have adopted humus farming techniques, using specialized tools like cultivators to protect soil microorganisms, ensuring long-term soil health.
• 🪱 Earthworms are crucial to soil health, playing a key role in creating stable humus and improving soil structure by converting organic matter into valuable nutrients.
• 📚 The Humus Academy in Austria teaches farmers how to restore soil fertility through humus farming, filling a knowledge gap that traditional agricultural schools have overlooked.
• 🏭 Urban areas, like Mindloys in Germany, are working to unseal concrete-covered ground, reviving the soil beneath and turning industrial ruins into green spaces.
• 🧪 Researchers are exploring ways to use biology, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi, to remediate contaminated soils from past mining activities, making them usable again.
• 💰 In Austria, farmers who build humus on their land are rewarded with carbon credits, receiving financial incentives for sequestering CO2 and improving soil health.
• 🏙 Repurposing industrial sites by removing concrete and restoring natural ground not only improves the environment but also helps cities better adapt to climate change by managing water and reducing urban heat islands.

Q & A

What is humus farming and why is it important for soil health?

Humus farming is an agricultural method where farmers focus on building up soil humus, a crucial organic component that improves soil fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration. Unlike conventional farming that depletes the soil, humus farming nourishes it, supporting sustainable agriculture and climate protection.

How does humus farming differ from traditional farming techniques?

Humus farming differs from traditional farming by avoiding the use of plows and synthetic fertilizers, which harm the soil. Instead, it utilizes machines that gently cultivate the soil, preserving its living organisms such as worms and microbes. This helps to regenerate the soil and enrich its humus content.

What role does soil play in combating climate change?

Soil plays a vital role in combating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2). Humus-rich soil has a significant capacity to capture CO2 from the atmosphere, which can help mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate protection efforts.

How long does it take to regenerate soil through humus farming?

Soil regeneration through humus farming is a long-term process that can take several generations. It requires consistent care and sustainable practices over an extended period to restore soil health and its ability to sequester carbon effectively.

What are some of the benefits of humus farming for farmers and the environment?

Humus farming benefits farmers by improving soil fertility, increasing crop yields, and enhancing water retention, which makes crops more resilient to droughts. For the environment, it reduces soil erosion, increases biodiversity, and helps store carbon, thus combating climate change.

How does the eco region of Kind of in Austria support humus farming?

The eco region of Kind of in Austria promotes humus farming by encouraging farmers to collaborate and share knowledge about soil regeneration. The region provides support through initiatives like the Humus Academy, which educates and trains farmers in regenerative farming techniques.

What is the significance of Mindloys, Germany, in the context of humus farming?

In Mindloys, Germany, local leaders and the mayor are transforming industrial sites into green spaces by regenerating the soil and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. This highlights the potential for large-scale soil regeneration, even in urban areas.

Can humus farming offset CO2 emissions from other sectors, such as transportation?

Yes, if all farmers in Germany adopted humus farming practices, it could potentially offset the CO2 emissions of the entire German transport sector. By restoring soil health and increasing its ability to store carbon, humus farming could make a significant contribution to reducing overall emissions.

What challenges do farmers face when transitioning to humus farming?

Farmers transitioning to humus farming face challenges such as the initial investment in new equipment, the need for education and training, and the long time required to see the benefits. Additionally, the shift from traditional farming practices to regenerative methods can be difficult without support from the community and government.

How are bacteria and fungi involved in the process of soil regeneration?

Bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in soil regeneration by helping to break down organic material and enhance the soil's ability to absorb water and nutrients. In some regions, like the former uranium mines in Germany, these microorganisms are being studied for their ability to detoxify contaminated soil and aid in its restoration.