Short Wave Don't Call It Dirt: The Science Of Soil
Dec 5, 2022
Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, a soil scientist at UC-Merced and Director at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, passionately discusses the often-overlooked importance of soil. She cautions against calling it 'dirt' and emphasizes its role in supporting life. Berhe reveals how degraded soil impacts climate change, urging listeners to recognize its potential for carbon storage. She also shares innovative strategies for enhancing soil health, like tree planting and biochar, highlighting the urgent need for tailored solutions to protect this vital ecosystem.
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Soil Biodiversity
- Healthy soil is incredibly biodiverse, containing up to 10 billion organisms in a handful.
- These organisms represent thousands of different species, exceeding the biodiversity of rainforests or coral reefs.
Soil, Not Dirt
- Asmeret Asefaw Berhe dislikes the term "dirt" for soil.
- She believes it trivializes a precious, finite resource and promotes disregard for its importance.
Soil's Life-Sustaining Role
- Soil's biodiversity drives its power to transform the environment.
- This thin layer supports life on Earth, enabling food production by growing plants or feeding animals that eat them.