In just a handful of healthy soil, you could find over a hundred thousand different species of microorganisms. All that biodiversity creates a dynamic ecosystem that breaks down decaying critters, wards off disease, helps plants thrive, and even captures carbon from the atmosphere. 

Thousands of years ago, when humans first began farming, many planted a mix of different crops together to keep the soil healthy and the plants more resilient. As populations grew and specialized machinery was developed, farmers started to focus on specific crops. This system, called “monoculture” can strip the soil of many of its benefits.

Today, we’re losing species at 1000 to 10,000 times the rate experts would expect to occur naturally. One of the leading causes of this loss of biodiversity is deforestation and habitat loss to make room for more monocultural crop farms. We’re replacing our most diverse ecosystems with our least.

Advocates are fighting for more green spaces in cities, biodiverse farms, and rebuilding damaged ecosystems. Because what’s good for the soil is good for all of us.