During last week’s lecture, the lesson was focused on the importance of our soil’s well being. In other words, the class discussion along with the film shown in class, soil plays a large role in the everyday functions of most living beings. First off, soil is used for a variety of different reasons. Soil is used to protect plants from from harmful bacteria, contains gases needed by plants to flourish, allows the production of many plants and food resources for many different organisms. Next, soil is made from granulated soil, corpse of living things, minerals, water, and gases. Therefore, most living things require these resources or systems in order to live and survive. As described in class, there is a variety of different kinds of soil depending on the environment and geographic locations. For example, soil that is located a tropical environment would be referred to as oxisol, and clay soil would be referred to as vertisol. Of course, soil adapts to the environment in which they live in therefore, the soil you would find on a tropical island will be significantly different than the soil in the New England.
Soil is absolutely essential especially when it comes to the recycling of many gases and nutrients (abiotic & biotic). Typically, when people hear the term soil, they simple think of the soil we walk on most of the time. However, interestingly enough, according to the film, the soil we are stepping on can actually go thirty to forty inches deep. Therefore, there is most to the soil we directly come in contact with on most days. Also, the film expressed a very clever metaphor that allowed me to better understand the importance or role of soil. They referred to the soil as having a similar environment to Times Square. Furthermore, Times Square is typically viewed as an overpopulated location. Besides being so overpopulated, there is constant movement, and this resembles the everyday lives of most of the living things that depend on the soil. Being a native New Yorker, this example really depicted an image in my head that truly clarified and emphasized the sole of soil.
Although I did point out the massive amount of soil that is located beneath the top soil, there is still this problem with soil erosion. For example, due to the high demand of produce in most countries the demand for production growth is expected. However, this high demand is not equivalent to the amount our natural resources can provide. Therefore, activities such as plowing, the soil becomes overexposed and this in turn leads to further problems such as soil erosion. Another commonly used method to crop with is inorganic fertilizer. The problem with this solution is that its impact is very short term, and it ends up being less efficient and more costly. Last, but not least, in order to sustain this natural resource and increase produce, farmers tend to use an excessive amount of water. According to the film, seventy percent of the earth’s water is being used to provide for agriculture. This point also works with the use of fertilizers. Organic fertilizers tend to demand more resources such as water, and in reality, this is just a temporary fix to boost the growth of these plants during that specific time. Also, besides the overuse of water, this excess water will find its way to major water ways, and this increases the amount of nitrogen in the water. On the other hand, there is still many other sustainable alternatives. For example, if individuals put effort into composting, not only are they boosting a long term impact on produces, but they will also being reducing their use of water and it will be economically more affordable in the long run. Compost tends to retain water more effectively than organic fertilizers would ever. In my opinion, its truly all about environmental literacy. I believe most farmers are not aware of the other alternatives, nor are they informed about the impact of their costly activities with soil.
The soil contains a large variety of living organisms who rely on the soil for a variety of things such as shelter and food. First off, certain species such worms create burrows that helps the roots adjust, and adapt to their environment. Most importantly, worms are able to move efficiently within the soil and this enables them to transport food to other living organisms. Secondly, the most important living organisms that rely on the soil are different types of bacteria. These living organisms transform nitrogen in the atmosphere into a form that is very useful to other organisms.
I personally believe that there are certain things that can be integrated in the education system of America. First off, as mentioned before the importance of environmental literacy. From personal experience, this topic of soil has really has really transformed the way I perceive our natural environment. In other words, after learning that massive importance soil has on the environment, I became more aware and cautious of how I perceive my environment. However, I think it is essential for schools to incorporate environmental literacy into the school curriculum. Besides environmental literacy, individuals can begin to compost. These two examples can truly go hand in hand in order to demonstrate the importance of literacy would prevent the large number of people from causing further negative impacts, while the other is a direct action example (composting).
The film also mentioned how the soil is the foundation of all living things. However, soil tends to have a negative stigma attached to it. In this case, he mentions the usual perspective on soil. Soil is constantly viewed as something dirty or unsanitary. On the other hand, we need soil in other to encourage the growth of food & chemical recycling. Today’s generation is more so closed off from the environment in which they live in. Therefore, these kids simply do not know what they are to imagine especially with the negative stigma attached to it. I believe it is essential for younger individuals to understand the fundamental aspect of their life.
Being raised in New York City, I was never exposed to the earth’s natural environment. In addition, no one really cares for the natural environment in New York City. I live in a neighborhood in Queens, were most of the population is of color. Therefore, seeing as most of the residents come from other countries, they are less aware of the consequences our activities influences. Not only are most adults in my neighborhood unaware, but their apathy is very evident. Same goes for the children I was constantly surrounded by. Everyone had no real sense of the basic sustainable practices like recycling, ans minimizing waste. I had no resources or a decent background of major environmental issues. Therefore, I believe it is essential that academic institutions incorporate some form of environmental literacy
Lastly, the film mentioned a surprising statistic that encouraged me to reflect on the purpose of soil. As humans we need soil in order to produce food for us and other organisms. Food production is one of the many things that soil provides us with. However, our overuse of this soil is affecting humans in the long run. Like I mentioned before, soil erosion is influenced by humans and this will negatively affect us in the long run. I say this because in ,Symphony of Soil, it was mentioned that in order for earth to reproduce at least an inch of top soil, it will take about five hundred years. Also, since a large amount of soil is constantly being transported from one place to another, diseases are often transported with them. Therefore, besides preventing more soil erosion, it is essential for humans to also protect plants from newly transported soil. From personal experience I have a friend who travelled to Australia to hike. After the hike was over, and she had to return to the city, the boots/ shoes these people were wearing had to be inspected and sanitized. This prevents the exposure of the natural environment (& people) to new diseases.
What are ways to spread awareness of this environmental crisis to adults living in a neighborhood such as my own that don’t have easy access to an education (due to family or economic reasons) ?
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Liz's Blog 