Healing the World’s Ecosystems with the Soil Food Web - Ep. 142

EcoJustice Radio

The UN has classified at least 40% of the Earth’s land as degraded. That figure is estimated to be somewhere between 1 billion, even up to 6 billion hectares of degraded land. Much if not most of this degradation can be attributed to human activity, particularly that of modern agriculture, its impacts & methodologies. Land degradation affects the physical health of all life, biodiversity, the nutrient cycling of plants, the quality of our air, water and food and our access to them. World-renowned soil biologist Dr. Elaine Ingham and her Soil Food Web Approach [https://www.soilfoodweb.com/] has successfully been implemented to restore ecological functions of soils on more than five million acres of farmland around the world. She joined us to share deep insights about how to ensure the continuance of life on this planet by turning to Nature and using biological vs. toxic, chemical approaches to heal and balance soil. By working with beneficial microorganisms that inhabit the soil, we can support Nature in transforming inert, degraded dirt into life-giving soil. Learn how freeing rivers from channelization and using biocomplete compost instead of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides can activate the immune systems of plants and restore balanced nutrient cycling of soil and water. Proper ratios of beneficial microorganisms in the soil improves our own microbiome and ensures vital, disease-free, nutrient-dense plants and crops. The key to regenerating the world's soils begins with feeding microbiology and properly nurturing the Soil Food Web. In this episode, Elaine reviews the ins and outs of thermophilic compost, applications of compost teas and extracts, the functions of beneficial microorganisms, the interrelationship of soil and water, and the genuine potential of restoring soil faster than we are degrading it. Dr. Elaine Ingham, Founder and President of Soil Food Web Inc. and Director of the Soil Food Web School, has advanced the knowledge about the Soil Food Web for nearly four decades and since has been conducting pioneering research and advocacy empowering ordinary people to bring the soils in their community back to life. Her Soil Food Web Approach has been used to successfully restore and regenerate the ecological functions of soils on six continents. The Soil Food Web School’s curriculum was designed to be accessible to individuals who wish to train and embark on a meaningful and impactful career that will help ensure the survival of all life. For an extended version of this interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/posts/69258576 Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio Hosted by Carry Kim Intro by Jessica Aldridge Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats Executive Producer: Jack Eidt Show Created by Mark and JP Morris Episode 142 Photo credit: Dr. Elaine Ingham