Freeing the world beneath our feet is a by farmer and scientist Liz Genever.
Liz says: There is a complex food web that thrives below the soil. These items [used in workshops] represent some of the micro-organisms present – bacteria, nematodes and protozoa.
This food web is responsible for recycling nutrients by breaking down dead plants and animals, and by eating other micro-organisms. They also managing water levels in soils by storing it in their bodies and helping to improve soil structure so water can move down the profile. They also help to lock carbon down deep into the soil, which would reduce the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. They feed insects and other invertebrates that feed the birds and drive biodiversity.
The challenge is that we are not allowing them to do their jobs as we are disrupting their network, and using chemical fertilisers and sprays within farming that supresses their populations. We need to make sure that we are feeding them a variety of feeds – lots of healthy, diverse plants – and making sure that over the winter there is green cover. Some of them have special nutritional requirements, so we also need to make sure that they are well fed and happy.
If we allow them to do their job, we need to add fewer inputs into farming and we have more nutrient dense food as they help the plants pull in more nutrients. This means healthy soil leads to healthier food and people.
Thanks to Nicole Masters (Integrity Soils) for the inspiration
Liz Genever is a mixed farmer from south Lincolnshire and a consultant for other farmers. She works with farmers who want to challenge their current practices, particularly on grass and forage utilisation. She is one of the founders of Carbon Calling CIC, which has the aim of building a community of farmers who support and learn from one another to make their farm and themselves healthier and happier. She has an Australian Cattle Dog called Scout, who accompanies her most places. @lizgenever