Dec. 3, 2021
Microbes are essential to Soil Health as well as Human Health.
"We need to have a paradigm shift in our consciousness. If we don't get our act together and come in commonality and understanding with the organisms that sustain us today, not only will we destroy those organisms, but we will destroy ourselves".
-Paul Stamets
Tiny little, microscopic life is essential for almost every process on Earth. They are on our skin in, in our mouth, and our stomach; they are even in the air we breathe. Microbes are in healthy soil, and help to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, and to sequester carbon. They help to decompose our waste, clean our water supplies, and not only do they make nutrients available for plants but also in our bodies by helping to digest our food. Releasing essential minerals, enzymes, and the building blocks for health. They are there when we are born and are there when we die. They help to facilitate the process of decomposition and renewal in every aspect of nature.
Our health is directly connected to the health of our land.
The food that is being provided in stores is lacking proper nutrition, and the vitality to build health. Many consumer products have a negative effect on our microbiome. Stomach issues are commonplace in our society. Our gut health is directly connected to all other aspects of our health, including our mental health. Our food is not coming from living systems that nourish ecology. The result is our land is sick and on life support. Dependent on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Devoid of the microbial networks that could heal it.
When we have gut issues, we can take probiotics and eat fermented foods. We can drink tonics and teas that ease our indigestion. Microbiology paired with a localized, seasonal, whole food diet from reputable farms has the potential to heal us. This isn't possible if we don't grow our food in a way that is healing our land.
The best food is going to come from our own gardens, and the act of gardening itself can make us stronger, happier, and more resilient humans.
There are scientific studies that suggest that working with and smelling healthy soil can have positive effects on our moods and decrease depression.
Just as we have probiotics, tonics, and teas that can help to heal our guts; we have them for healing our soil. Compost teas, Biodynamics, Korean Natural Farming, Jadam, and other holistic approaches to soil health hold some of the keys to healing our land. They leverage soil microbes to make nutrients more available and grow healthier and more nutrient-dense crops. Healthier crops are more resilient to pests, disease, and environmental pressures.
If we can heal our land, we are headed in right the direction to heal ourselves.
When we manage our land from a holistic context, with a focus on caring for our soils microbiology we are setting the stage for a thriving living system.
Living soil systems can produce better yields and higher quality end results. Providing nutrient-dense food for the health of our communities and preserving the true value of our land; Regenerating life, storing carbon, and healing our water cycles.
Written By: Brian Maisenbacher