Soil is more than Just dirt
Soil is a vibrant community of organisms, from the tiniest bacteria and fungi to the worms and crawling insects, all working in harmony to sustain life on Earth. Soil is alive, constantly breathing, transforming, and regenerating. It is the birthplace of our food, the keeper of ancient stories, and the foundation of all life. We would not exist without Soil.
Soil is vulnerable to human activity and natural forces. Soil needs our attention, our action, and our gratitude.
Did you know?
Soil Contains a Vast Microbial Universe:
A single teaspoon of healthy Soil can contain more microorganisms than there are people on Earth, with estimates ranging from 100 million to 1 billion bacteria, along with fungi, protozoa, and nematodes.
Soil is a Major Carbon Sink:
Soils store more carbon than the atmosphere and vegetation combined. It’s estimated that Soils contain about 2,500 gigatons of carbon, which is more than three times the amount stored in the atmosphere.
There are More Soil Types than Plant Species:
The world has over 70,000 different types of Soil, each with unique properties. This diversity in Soil types supports a wide variety of ecosystems and plant species.
It Takes Hundreds of Years to Form Soil:
It can take more than 500 years to form just one inch of topsoil, the most fertile layer, making Soil a non-renewable resource within a human lifespan.
Soil is Alive and Breathing:
Soil “breathes” through a process called respiration, where microorganisms in the Soil consume organic matter and release carbon dioxide. This is a critical part of the carbon cycle.
Soil Filters and Cleans Water:
As water moves through Soil, it filters out impurities and pollutants, making it one of the planet’s natural water purifiers. This process is essential for maintaining clean groundwater.
Soil Helps Mitigate Climate Change:
Healthy Soils can sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. Practices like no-till farming and cover cropping can enhance this carbon sequestration.
There’s More Biodiversity Below Ground Than Above:
The majority of the world’s biodiversity is found below ground in Soils. This includes a variety of organisms, from earthworms to microscopic fungi and bacteria, all playing critical roles in ecosystem function.
Soil is the Foundation of Our Food:
Nearly 95% of our food comes from Soil. Healthy Soil means better crops, richer nutrition, and a sustainable food supply.
Planning Your Soil Gratitude Ceremony
September 21st, 2024 at your own time
This is a coordinated prayer that you offer in your own landscape (not an online event)
ONE coordinates this global ceremony for people and Nature, so that each gratitude ceremony, including yours, becomes one of many bright shining lights across the Earth.
To help get you started with your ceremony, we’ve created a printable instruction sheet to guide you. This framework allows you to infuse your creativity and open heart into the ceremony.
We invite you to let us know you’re participating and to share your Soil love notes and stories through the “Let us know you’re participating” button.
Reciprocity is the cornerstone of a strong relationship with our Nature kin, and expressing gratitude is essential to building a co-creative partnership with our landscapes. Preparing for this ceremony and sharing your gratitude will deepen your connection and understanding with Soil.
As you express your gratitude for the Soil where you live, you’re contributing your heart and energy to a vibrant future for Earth and all life.
Gratitude for Soil
Soil, you are the foundation of all life,
The cradle of roots, womb of seeds,
You who hold the stories of ancient forests and mountains
The whispers of rivers, and oceans and the memories of the stars.
We give thanks for your complexity,
For your minerals, colors and songs,
For the nourishment you provide to all beings,
From the tiniest creature to the tallest tree,
For holding us in your rich embrace.
We are grateful for the hidden world that lies within your depths,
A vibrant community of life unseen,
A myriad of beings, ancient and wise,
Who weave the threads of life together,
Transforming decay into renewal,
Creating the fertile ground from which all life springs.
Soil, we offer our deepest gratitude,
For the food that grows from your fertile embrace,
For the medicine you hold within your layers,
And for the life you sustain with every breath.
May we remember your sacredness,
May you and the community of life you hold within be cared for and nourished.
Living Soil, may you always be respected, honored, and loved.
I am grateful for you.
Soil Conversation Series
In connection with the Soil Gratitude Ceremony, this special webinar series is an homage to the life-giving Earth, a celebration of Soil's role in sustaining our planet and ourselves. Together, we are exploring the alchemy of composting, the resilience of regenerative agriculture, and the intricate web of life that thrives within the Soil.
These conversations are inspiring a deep gratitude for the Earth and a renewed commitment to nurturing our planet.
Recordings below. Enjoy the Replays!
Series Recordings
For the Love of Soil, August 13th
Featuring Tammi Sweet, Herbalist, Farmer, and Educator
➡️Recording
Living Soil, August 20th
Featuring Briana Alfaro and Danielle Peláez of Soul Fire Farm
➡️Recording
Soil, Carbon, and Community, August 27th
Featuring Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry and Former Director of Science for the Department of Energy
➡️Recording
Bringing Our Soils Back to Life: The Soil Food Web, September 10th
Featuring Dr. Elaine Ingham, Renowned Soil Microbiologist & Founder of Soil Food Web School
➡️Recording
Cultivating Reslience, September 17th
Featuring Hunter Lovins, Renowned Environmentalist, Author, and Champion of Sustainable Development
➡️Recording
Soil Articles, Stories and Poetry
