Soils are in crisis – Microbz Soil

Microbz Soil

What is the problem ?

Soils are in crisis

Human activities, intensive farming and climate change have dramatically affected nature and the health of our soil. If solutions aren’t found to regenerate soils then the ability of future generations to grow food will be seriously compromised.

Soils are in danger

The dirt beneath our feet is getting poorer and poorer. On most farms the quality of soil is diminishing. 

Factors contributing to the loss of soil in the UK

Fertilisers and pesticides

  • The use of artificial fertilizers on crops has helped farmers increase yields, but has damaged the soil. A significant proportion of fertiliser remains in the soil after the crop has been harvested. Accumulation of these chemicals changes soil composition and disrupts the balance of microorganisms. These chemicals leach out into ground water and enter rivers and water systems leading to algal blooms which eventually suffocate the life in water if not treated.

  • Fertilisers not only disrupt the soil, they are also potentially hazardous to human health. Farmers have increased the use of nitrogen fertilizers by 800% since the 60’s, which has led to the release of nitrous oxide, a dangerous greenhouse gas and a hazard to human health.

Ploughing and tilling

  • Ploughing and intensive farming have damaged the soil biome. Tillage destroys soil organic matter (SOM). It also speeds up the action of microbes which might seem like a benefit but releasing an abundance of nutrients causes an excess meaning these valuable nutrients might be lost via leaching. This rapid decomposition of SOM means plants no longer have a storehouse of nutrients. The degradation of SOM also means less carbon can be stored by the soil and is released in the atmosphere.

  • Soils contain approximately 75% of the carbon on land, releasing this has very negative consequences.

Compaction

  • Compaction can be caused by traffic going over soil. This includes vehicles such as large tractors, humans and animals. These create undesirable soil structure

  • Compact soil makes it harder for root structure to develop. Growing through compacted soil leads to anaerobic and acidic conditions where roots struggle to survive

  • Compact soil makes it harder for water to be easily absorbed, leading to run off and soil erosion

Monocultures

    • Growing the same crop year on year is detrimental to soil quality. It does not provide enough variety to maintain a healthy ecosystem both above and within the soil. Because crops are grown for as much harvest as possible, they are not given the opportunity to decompose and release nutrients back into the soil

 

  • A single crop is more susceptible to pests and diseases meaning artificial fertilizers and biocides are used to protect the crop. This leads to further damage of soil microorganisms and is detrimental to soil health. This will over time create a soil environment that provides decreased yields

Over grazing

  • The overuse of land has resulted in the depletion of topsoil which is rich in organic matter and supports the microbes to recycle nutrients

  • Overgrazing can contribute to soil being left bare meaning it is more vulnerable to erosion

Antibiotics

  • A high proportion of antibiotics fed to animals are excreted through urine and manure. These antibiotics can enter the soil or ground water, and kill essential microorganisms in the soil. Antibiotics can also be leached into nearby water sources via water that is not absorbed into the soil

Climate change

  • Rising temperatures are causing an increase in droughts and heat increases the susceptibility of soil to pathogens

  • Changing temperatures has allowed new pests to thrive

  • Unpredictable weather and an increase in average rainfall has altered soils ability to absorb and retain water

Pollution

    • An increase in pollutants in the atmosphere such as the by-products of burning fossil fuels and excess heavy metals affects the composition of the soil

 

  • When the concentration of these pollutants on the soil gets too high, this affects soil biodiversity and can have a negative effect on the fertility of the soil

Biodiversity loss

  • It is well known the biodiversity of organisms is rapidly decreasing. This decreasing biodiversity negatively affects soil health as a reduction in organisms will collapse the soil food web and make it harder for effective microorganisms to survive in the soil. A reduction in soil microorganisms is likely to reduce yields

  • A reduction in the number of hedgerows in the UK has negatively impacted the range of organisms in and above the soil

Soil is depleted of many natural components due to modern agriculture techniques

Adding effective microorganisms to the soil is essential to re-establish life underground. Effective microorganisms complete the cycle of life through the process of fermentation and decomposition. They break down organic waste and use the remaining minerals and nutrients for regeneration, enabling life under our feet to flourish. Healthy soil depends on a diversity and abundance of microorganisms. 

It is the responsibility of landowners, farmers, gardeners, and all soil lovers to make soil health a top priority. We are at a critical point in the history of soil where we have an opportunity to regenerate.Â