This Thanksgiving season, we at Holganix are pausing to reflect on the immense value of healthy soils. Whether you're in agriculture or turfgrass, soil plays a critical role in sustaining life on our planet. Here are 25 reasons to appreciate soil:
- Foundation of Food Security: Healthy soil supports farmers, allowing them to produce food, fiber, and fuel.
- Root Support: Like a house’s foundation, soil supports plant roots, ensuring their stability and growth.
- Nutrient Storage: Soil serves as a “pantry” for plants, storing essential nutrients.
- Water Retention: It stores water for plants, with even a 1% increase in organic matter holding 25,000 gallons of water per acre!
- Aeration: Soil maintains proper air for plant roots and microbes, ensuring healthy growth.
- Microbial Habitat: Soil houses beneficial microbes that support plant health and protect them from stress. According to the USDA, “One teaspoon of healthy soil contains, 100 million-to-1 billion individual bacteria alone.”
- Home to Organisms: Insects and other creatures rely on soil for habitat and reproduction.
- Water Filtration: Soil filters water, cleaning dust, chemicals, and contaminants to maintain clean underground water sources. In fact, according to Soils.Org, “through natural processes, such as soil absorption, chemical filtration, and nutrient cycle, the Catskill Watershed provides New York City with clean water at a cost of $1-to-1.5 billion, much less than the $6-to-8 billion one-time cost of constructing a water filtration plant.”
- Climate Change Buffer: Soil captures about 25% of the world’s fossil fuel emissions each year, mitigating climate change.
- Increases Crop Yield: Healthy soil leads to better crop yields and more resilient plants.
- Medicinal Source: Many antibiotics, critical for fighting infections, come from soil microbes.
- Erosion Protection: Soil helps protect the land from erosion, preserving valuable topsoil.
- Nonrenewable Resource: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it can take centuries to form a centimeter of soil, making it a precious and limited resource.
- Employment: The agricultural sector supports over 22.1 million workers, highlighting soil’s economic importance.
- Composition: Soil is made up of 45% minerals, 25% water, 25% air, and 5% organic matter—all essential for supporting life.
- Waste Facility: It holds and processes solid waste naturally.
- Temperature Regulator: Soil helps regulate Earth’s temperature, moderating extreme conditions.
- History of Civilizations: Mismanagement of soil led to the downfall of many past civilizations, showing its importance for survival.
- Paper Production: Soil contributes to paper production, with soil-based minerals making up much of the weight in textbooks and magazines. According to Soils.Org, “about 70% of the weight of a textbook or glossy paged magazine is soil.”
- Cosmetic Benefits: Mud masks, often made from clay soil, cleanse and nourish the skin.
- Natural Pest Control: Healthy soils naturally manage weeds, pests, and plant diseases.
- China Production: Fine china is made from clay soil, emphasizing soil’s cultural significance.
- Building Foundation: Soil affects the construction of our homes, roads, and schools.
- Historical Archive: Soil holds the remnants of ancient civilizations, offering a glimpse into Earth’s past.
- Sustainability: Protecting soil health is key to securing our food systems and environmental future.
Why soil Health Matters at Holganix?
At Holganix, we revolutionize the way the world grows by harnessing the power of soil microbes. Our flagship product, Holganix Bio 800+ contains over 800 species of beneficial soil microbes that work to build soil and plant health naturally.
Farmers around the United States have embraced our products to increase their crop yields and improve the overall health of their plants. By incorporating Holganix Bio 800+ Agriculture into their farming practices, they have witnessed remarkable results, with healthier and more resilient crops. In addition, landscapers and golf courses have also experienced the benefits of our products, as they have been able to significantly reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Soil health is at the core of our mission, and we firmly believe that healthy soil is the foundation for sustainable agriculture and a thriving planet. Our dedication to developing innovative solutions that enhance soil health is driven by the understanding that soil matters. By nourishing and supporting the intricate web of soil microbes, we are unlocking the true potential of our soils and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Join us in our mission to promote healthy soils and transform the way we grow. Discover the power of Holganix Bio 800+ and experience the remarkable benefits it can bring to your crops, plants, and the environment. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a greener and more sustainable world for generations to come. Let’s celebrate the hidden treasure beneath our feet this Thanksgiving season!
Learn More About Soil Health
We know the soil is important and why we should be grateful for healthy soil. But how does soil work? And what does healthy soil look like? Dig deeper into soil science by downloading our FREE eBook by Holganix Director of Soil and Plant Science, Dr. Robert Neidermyer.
In the eBook, Dr. Neidermyer provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the soil food web and its role in supporting healthy crops. He delves into the fascinating world of soil microbes, explaining the crucial role they play in building resilient crops. With his expertise, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how these microorganisms interact with plants and the environment to promote optimal growth.
