The latest episode of the Thrive podcast takes a close look at the ground beneath our feet. Soil, on which terrestrial life depends, is often ignored precisely because it is everywhere and yet invisible. Healthy soils contribute so much to human well-being, from nutritious food to clean water, and yet the soils of more than a fifth of all cropland, pasture, forest and woodland are degraded to some extent. Degraded soils, apart from being unable to meet the needs of the people who depend on them, also emit large amounts of greenhouse gasses, contributing to climate change.
On the ground, local communities in Malawi have restored tree cover and embraced beehives, protecting the soil and watershed and providing an extra income stream. The government of Malawi is moving away from a reliance on simple mineral fertilisers, which often exacerbate soil degradation, and offering farmers seeds of fertiliser trees that add nitrogen and carbon to the soil, provide fodder for livestock and eventually supply building materials and charcoal.
Surveys in Ethiopia have shown that soils often lack trace elements such as boron and zinc; add those to simple mineral fertilisers and farmers, who had no use for mineral fertilisers that didn’t work, discover the value of improving their soils. And while the contributions of localised restoration efforts may seem small, taken together they could have a large impact on greenhouse gasses.
Of course, there is still much to be done, not least to persuade governments and development agencies that although more complex soil restoration schemes are more difficult to implement, they are more sustainable in the long run. As the year of International Year of Soils continues, our report from Berlin offers some encouragement.
See the original full story and other podcasts at the Agriculture and Ecosystems blog.
About the author:
Jeremy Cherfas is the host and producer of the Thrive podcasts. A biologist by training, with extensive experience in agriculture, his writing and audio work have won several awards. He says he is looking forward to learning more about the research underpinning a sustainable food future and sharing that with Thrive listeners.
…thank you for reading this story. Our mission is to make them freely accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.
We believe that lasting and impactful change starts with changing the way people think. That’s why we amplify the diverse voices the world needs to hear – from local restoration leaders to Indigenous communities and women who lead the way.
By supporting us, not only are you supporting the world’s largest knowledge-led platform devoted to sustainable and inclusive landscapes, but you’re also becoming a vital part of a global movement that’s working tirelessly to create a healthier world for us all.
Every donation counts – no matter the amount. Thank you for being a part of our mission.
