DIGGING DEEPER INTO SOIL: 10 AMAZING SOIL FACTS

Soil. There’s more to it than just a pile of crumbled rock and rotting plant matter. It is a really powerful ally in helping to address climate change.

In December, we celebrate World Soil Day, so it seems a good time to dig into all things soil related with our sustainability expert Sarah Walkley. Here are 10 solid facts to surprise you.

Soil fact 1

Soil has several layers which each do different jobs. At the surface is the ‘O horizon’ which is full of decomposing leaves and plants. Under that is the ‘A horizon’ (also known as topsoil), where plants grow, and insects live. Below that is the ‘B horizon’ before we get to the ‘C horizon’, which is largely rocks and minerals.

Soil fact 2

Soil contains lots of bacteria and fungi. In fact, there are more organisms in a tablespoon of soil than people on earth.

Soil fact 3

It can take up to 1,000 years to create just 2.5cm of soil.

Soil fact 4

Soil absorbs carbon dioxide from dead plant matter, such as rotting leaves. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. This is then transferred to the soil as the trees and plants grow.

Soil fact 5

Around one-third of the world’s soil is currently degraded due to agriculture, meaning it is unable to store carbon effectively and more prone to be washed away in heavy storms.

Soil fact 6

Restoring and protecting soil health could store as much carbon dioxide as by the US annually. Around 40% of that could come from simply protecting existing soil carbon stores in the world’s forests, peatlands and wetlands rather than continuing to expand agriculture.

Soil fact 7

The top 1 metre of soil stores three times the amount of carbon dioxide as is currently in the atmosphere.

Soil fact 8

Soil can store carbon for centuries, while plants and trees only trap carbon while they are alive and then start to release it again when they die and start to rot.

Soil fact 9

Just 3% of the world’s surface is covered by peatland, but these boggy areas hold up to one-third of the world’s soil carbon.

Soil fact 10

We can all do our bit to improve the soil by turning grass cuttings, leaves and food scraps into compost. This adds nutrients to the topsoil helping plants to grow.

Sarah Walkley is a freelance writer and researcher on a mission to empower everyone to play their part in addressing climate change and nature loss.

She set up Purplefully to help organisations develop their sustainability strategy and communication.