The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson

Last updated: Aug 27, 2023

Summary of The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson

The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson is a comprehensive exploration of the potential of soil to combat climate change and restore the health of our planet. Ohlson takes readers on a journey across the globe, visiting scientists, farmers, and activists who are working to regenerate soil and promote sustainable agriculture.

The book begins by highlighting the critical role that soil plays in our ecosystem. Ohlson explains how healthy soil acts as a carbon sink, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. She emphasizes that by restoring degraded soil, we can not only mitigate climate change but also improve water quality, increase biodiversity, and enhance food security.

Ohlson introduces readers to various soil regeneration techniques, such as cover cropping, composting, and rotational grazing. She showcases success stories from different parts of the world, including the United States, Africa, and Australia. These stories demonstrate how farmers and ranchers have been able to restore degraded land and increase their productivity by adopting regenerative practices.

The author also delves into the science behind soil regeneration, explaining the intricate relationships between plants, microbes, and fungi. She explores the concept of the soil food web and how it contributes to soil health. Ohlson emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in soil and highlights the role of mycorrhizal fungi in nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.

In addition to discussing the environmental benefits of soil regeneration, Ohlson also addresses the economic and social aspects. She argues that regenerative agriculture can provide economic opportunities for farmers, create jobs, and revitalize rural communities. She emphasizes the need for policy changes and financial incentives to support the widespread adoption of regenerative practices.

Throughout the book, Ohlson emphasizes the urgency of addressing soil degradation and climate change. She argues that by focusing on soil health, we can make significant progress in mitigating the effects of climate change and creating a more sustainable future. The Soil Will Save Us serves as a call to action, urging individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize soil regeneration and embrace regenerative agriculture as a solution to our environmental challenges.

1. The Power of Soil

In "The Soil Will Save Us," Kristin Ohlson explores the incredible potential of soil to combat climate change and restore the health of our planet. She highlights the importance of soil as a carbon sink, capable of storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By adopting regenerative agricultural practices such as cover cropping, composting, and rotational grazing, we can enhance soil health and increase its carbon sequestration capacity.

This insight is actionable because it encourages individuals, farmers, and policymakers to prioritize soil health and implement sustainable farming practices. By doing so, we can not only mitigate climate change but also improve soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity. Ohlson's book provides practical examples and success stories from around the world, inspiring readers to take action and contribute to the restoration of our soil.

2. The Role of Microbes

Ohlson delves into the fascinating world of soil microbes and their crucial role in soil health. These microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, form complex symbiotic relationships with plants, helping them access nutrients, fight diseases, and improve resilience to environmental stressors.

This insight is profound because it challenges the conventional view of soil as an inert medium and highlights the interconnectedness of all living organisms. By nurturing soil microbes through organic farming practices and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, we can create a thriving soil ecosystem that supports plant growth and enhances nutrient cycling. Ohlson's book provides a deeper understanding of the intricate web of life beneath our feet and emphasizes the importance of preserving soil biodiversity.

3. Carbon Farming

One of the most actionable takeaways from "The Soil Will Save Us" is the concept of carbon farming. Ohlson explores various carbon farming techniques, such as agroforestry, no-till farming, and holistic grazing, which aim to sequester carbon in the soil while simultaneously improving agricultural productivity.

This insight is original to general knowledge because it presents a holistic approach to addressing climate change and food security. By implementing carbon farming practices, farmers can not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance soil fertility, water infiltration, and crop yields. Ohlson's book provides practical guidance and real-life examples of successful carbon farming initiatives, making it accessible and inspiring for farmers and policymakers alike.

4. The Importance of Compost

Ohlson emphasizes the transformative power of compost in restoring soil health and mitigating climate change. Composting organic waste, such as food scraps and agricultural residues, not only diverts waste from landfills but also creates a nutrient-rich soil amendment that enhances soil structure and fertility.

This insight is actionable because it encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to adopt composting practices and reduce their carbon footprint. By diverting organic waste from landfills and turning it into compost, we can enrich our soils, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, and sequester carbon in the process. Ohlson's book provides practical tips and success stories of composting initiatives, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in harnessing the power of compost.

5. Regenerative Grazing

Ohlson explores the transformative potential of regenerative grazing, a practice that mimics the natural movement of large herbivores and promotes soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. By allowing livestock to graze in a controlled manner and then moving them to fresh pasture, farmers can regenerate grasslands and improve soil fertility.

This insight is profound because it challenges the conventional view of livestock farming as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting regenerative grazing practices, farmers can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also restore degraded landscapes and enhance ecosystem services. Ohlson's book provides inspiring examples of regenerative grazing projects and highlights the importance of integrating livestock into sustainable agricultural systems.

6. Soil as a Water Filter

Ohlson highlights the critical role of soil in water filtration and purification. Healthy soils act as natural filters, removing pollutants and contaminants from water, thereby improving water quality and reducing the need for costly water treatment infrastructure.

This insight is original to general knowledge because it emphasizes the multiple benefits of soil beyond carbon sequestration. By protecting and restoring soil health, we can safeguard our water resources and reduce the risk of water pollution. Ohlson's book provides examples of successful soil-based water filtration projects, inspiring readers to consider soil as a valuable tool for water management.

7. The Connection Between Soil and Human Health

Ohlson explores the intricate connection between soil health and human health. She highlights the importance of nutrient-dense soils in producing nutritious crops and the potential of soil microbes in promoting human gut health and immune function.

This insight is actionable because it encourages individuals to prioritize soil health not only for environmental reasons but also for personal well-being. By supporting organic farming practices and consuming nutrient-rich foods, we can improve our own health while contributing to the restoration of soil ecosystems. Ohlson's book provides a compelling argument for the symbiotic relationship between soil and human health, making it relevant and accessible to a wide audience.

8. The Need for Collaboration

Ohlson emphasizes the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in addressing the challenges of soil degradation and climate change. She highlights the success of grassroots movements, farmer networks, and interdisciplinary research in driving positive change.

This insight is profound because it emphasizes the power of collective action and the need for diverse perspectives to tackle complex environmental issues. By fostering collaboration between farmers, scientists, policymakers, and consumers, we can accelerate the adoption of sustainable soil management practices and create a more resilient and regenerative agricultural system. Ohlson's book provides inspiring examples of collaborative initiatives and highlights the importance of building partnerships to save our soil and our planet.