Regenerating Our Soil

If you've never thought too much about the "dirt" beneath your feet, you may be surprised at the intricate biological interactions that comprise healthy soil. Not only does healthy soil nourish plants and serve as habitat for a huge number of organisms including soil microbes, it also plays a key role in water purification and the overall water cycle.
Unfortunately, conventional methods for agriculture and landscaping have caused massive soil erosion and loss of organic matter, and have greatly reduced biodiversity in the soil ecosystem. Soil degradation requires that farmers use more fertilizer and chemicals than would otherwise be necessary, causing both air and water pollution. What is healthy soil and how can we get it back? Why is restoring soil health not only essential for rebuilding terrestrial food webs but also an important strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience?