THE SOIL WILL SAVE US:
HOW SCIENTISTS, FARMERS, AND FOODIES ARE HEALING THE SOIL TO SAVE THE PLANET,
Kristin Ohlson, (2014), reviewed by Dr. Jay Bushnell
No doubt you have noticed that Nature is upset with humans trashing the earth by dumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the land, and oceans. Human failure to respect nature is changing the climate of the world that threatens life on earth as we know it. This includes us. Whether it is accepted or not, humans are not immune to the pressures of extinction that are a part of climate change*. Since life first started on earth 3.5 billion years ago, an estimated 95% of life forms have become extinct because of a failure to adapt. Clearly, extinction has been a normal part of evolution. Ironically, humans have created the very adaptive pressures for our own extinction. This is a first. Our present pandemic is just one of many wake up calls.
There are three areas for possible solutions present for humans to reverse the climate change trend. Humans will have to work on making drastic cuts on our emissions of greenhouse gas, sequester the present gases, and redefine our ignorant cultural attitudes. This last area may very well be the toughest challenge.
Yet there is some positive news. Ohlson describes how SOIL WILL SAVE US, by sequestration of these gases. She outlines the farming method called regenerative organic farming. This method builds, a healthy soil that is a “…massive biological machine….” The soil is alive with bacteria, fungus, and protozoa, making it the largest biodiverse organism on the planet. These micro organisms consume carbon and even produce oxygen along with providing nutrient for crops. Compatibility farming exist both above and below the ground. The method also helps to control weeds and predatory insects. Flood control is another positive. A North Dakota farmer demonstrated the organic composition of his healthy soil by easily pushing a four-foot probe into the soil (Ohlson repeated the task). Try this at home.
It is estimated that 8 inches of rain could easily be absorbed and stored on this parcel. The compacted soil on large corporate farms will not do this. Erosion is the common result from those farms. It is estimated that commercial agriculture accounts for as much as one half of sea rise because the soil lacks the ability to hold water!
It is clear that not all farming methods are equal in terms of sequestration of greenhouse gases or even in terms of the production of healthy food or healthy farming for the farmer. The industrial model of farming destroys the health of the soil. The method actually releases CO2 back into the air every time the fields are plowed. Of course, herbicides, pesticides, and commercial fertilizer kill the micro organisms of the soil. The toxins are absorbed into the food produced. Have you checked your glyphosate level recently? Processed foods are loaded with toxins like glyphosate even Non GMO grains which are often sprayed with Roundup to dry them for ease of harvest.
The regenerative principle also relates to ranchers. In 1998, Allan Savory and his wife Jody Butterfield outlined a regenerative plan for land management that mimics the power of herd animal behavior. The regenerative principles are also applicable to forestry.
Federally funded land grant colleges historically were set up to guide farmers with the latest research. The lack of federal funding has opened the door for private funding that pushes the petro/chemical model.
As Ohson points out, we are trending away from family farms that pass on the tradition of family farming. In short, family farmers are not respected, honored, or financially supported. Just check out the Federal Farm Bill or the cost of farm land to understand the issue. Also understand the present system of corporate mega farms are only about 50 years old. Relying on them will be disastrous.
(* climate change is not the changes in seasons.)
