Soil mates

Creatures with big round eyes that are threatened with extinction get our attention, but what those that are not so cuddly? Maintaining biodiversity is vital to our future but there is a far less sexy part of our environment that is perhaps most important, but gets less mention because it doesn't have those inviting eyes. Let's get down and dirty and talk all about soil and its role in planetary health.

- Terry Robson

It is not uncommon to use the words “dirt” and “soil” interchangeably, but they are two very different things. Dirt is inert, soil is alive. In effect, dirt is soil with the vitality removed. Whereas dirt just ruins your clothes, soil has a role in creating healthy nutrient-dense produce for us into the future. It is the engine room of farms, your home garden and the planet. Every engine needs to be understood so it can be cared for, so it is important to understand exactly what soil is.

The soil support system

Soil is a living, breathing support mechanism for life on Earth. It is a layer of life beneath your feet, and it tends to be taken for granted.

A handful of living soil is overflowing with all sorts of different organisms. Just one teaspoon of soil contains more living organisms than there are people on the planet. Put your spoon in the soil and when you pick it up your spoon contains archaea, bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae, protozoa and larger creatures like worms, ants, mites and insects. These creatures all play a part in creating the soil that grows our food, but soil can do more than feed you, it can make you feel good.

One of the bacteria in soil is called Mycobacterium vaccae and when you inhale it, or it gets absorbed through the skin of your fingers, it boosts levels of serotonin and works much like an antidepressant. Yes, that earthy smell (known technically as “geosmin”) can be healing. So, get out there, get your hands in some organically nourished soil while you do some gardening and let your mind wander on the miracle that is between your fingers.