EESC3310 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Bulk Density, Mulch, Cash Crop
Document Summary
We are made of the same 5 main molecules as dirt. Minerals from earth"s surface spewed through volcanoes along with water vapor which turned into rain oceans microscopic organisms mixed with clay first earth. In most religions the story of creation revolves around dirt. In traditional ag soil is revered as source for all fertility. Decomposing microscopic minerals and organisms got pounded into soil. Soil - first 5cm layer of life on the earth. Soil becomes thicker as organisms decompose - renews the soil. Microorganisms decompose everything on soil floor - returns/replenishes nutrients. Community exchange of nutrients necessary for soil survival and organism survival. Search for natural resources is destroying our dirt. Monocultures are destroying soil by killing root structure. Lost of topsoil in last 100 years. Huge deforestation losses to clear land destroys tree benefits but also soil. Land is taken over by huge agribusinesses. Root diversity below ground and plant diversity above ground allows for resilience.