Short Wave Don't Call It Dirt: The Surprising Science Of Soil
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Dec 4, 2023 Join soil scientist Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, an expert from UC Merced and Director at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, as she unveils the hidden wonders of soil. She emphasizes its vital role in supporting life and combating climate change, revealing that soil stores three times more carbon than the atmosphere. Berhe discusses the alarming impacts of soil degradation and shares innovative strategies for revitalization, urging listeners to take action for environmental stewardship on World Soil Day.
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Soil Biodiversity
- A handful of healthy soil contains up to 10 billion living organisms.
- This biodiversity translates to around 5,000 different species, showcasing soil's richness.
Dirt vs. Soil
- Asmeret Asefaw Berhe dislikes the term "dirt" for soil.
- She believes it diminishes the importance and abundance of this resource.
Soil's Transformative Power
- Soil's biodiversity surpasses that of rainforests and coral reefs.
- This rich biodiversity empowers the soil to significantly transform the environment.