Soil biodiversity sustains life but faces threats from human activities. Learn about soil biodiversity, talk about it with others, and support organizations working to protect it to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

Soil organisms play a crucial role in soil carbon sequestration, which captures carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in the soil for hundreds of years. Soil is also one of the main reservoirs of biodiversity in the world. These organisms also provide other important benefits, including food production, improved human health, and water purification. There is an amazing dance going on below our feet!

These tiny organisms are literally out of sight and usually out of mind. Soil organisms correspond to 25% of the world's biodiversity. However, it is estimated that only 1% of soil microorganisms species are currently known.

Healthy soil needs a healthy environment. Given the best raw materials and working conditions, the soil will function at full capacity, delivering a streamlined service and sustaining life above ground. But soil biodiversity will be impaired if it is deprived of what it needs — often because of humans — and its ability to work will falter.

Unfortunately, certain farming practices, gardening approaches, new construction, and manufacturing pollutant dumping are upsetting life underground. This impacts life above ground through the plants we eat and use to beautify our world. If it goes too far, the ultimate result is desertification.

Understanding the issue, talking about it with others, doing what you can in your area, and supporting organizations focused on this issue are great ways to support soil biodiversity and our prosperity.