In the face of an escalating climate crisis that is daily headline news,  it is obvious humanity stands at a crossroads looking at the destruction we have caused.   Perhaps, at that crossroads, we should start to understand that the micro is the same as the macro.   For me, I am more and more convinced the land beneath our feet is a soilution.

I personally feel we are going down a dark path in human history and we need to step back and consider how nature works and how we can mimic her for restoration.   And, I beleive the answer is in water and microbes.

“Although the surface of our planet is two-thirds water, we call it the Earth. We say we are earthlings, not waterlings. Our blood is closer to seawater than our bones to soil, but that’s no matter. The sea is the cradle we all rocked out of, but it’s to dust that we go. From the time that water invented us, we began to seek out dirt. The further we separate ourselves from the dirt, the further we separate ourselves from ourselves. Alienation is a disease of the unsoiled.”

― Tom Robbins, Another Roadside Attraction

Let’s admit that the traditional approach to land management (intensive agriculture, deforestation, and unsustainable practices) has led to soil degradation and exacerbated climate change.   We have destroyed the micro-life.   We have harmed Nature.  However, a new paradigm is emerging, one that recognizes the soil as a vital ecosystem and harnesses its natural power to mitigate any climate change and restore environmental balance.    We touched on this topic in Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web course but I discovered more when I studied with Didi Pershouse and her s teaching on the Soil Sponge.

Didi, with  Australian microbiologist and climatologist, Walter Jehne are teachers of the Soil Sponge concept and how this affects our water cycles.     In my opinion, this is ONE LARGE transformative shift in our understanding of nature and offers a promising pathway towards a sustainable future.

Reconnecting with the Soil Sponge

What is the soil sponge?   When I asked Wikipedia it added the word carbon: “Soil carbon sponge is porous, well-aggregated soil in good health, better able to absorb and retain water”

Beneath our feet lies a world teeming with life – the soil sponge. This is an intricate ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.   These little guys plays a pivotal role in nutrient cycling, water retention, and carbon sequestration. Healthy soil, rich in organic matter and diverse microbial life, acts as a carbon sink, storing carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as CO2.

The earth is complex and interconnected living organism. The soil beneath our feet as its vital organs. Just as our bodies rely on a delicate balance of microorganisms to function properly, so does the planet’s health depend on the thriving community of microbes that reside within the soil.  Just as the organs of the human body rely on other organs, the same applies in the soils.  We can not separate things.  It is all connected.

These tiny and often invisible creatures play a pivotal role in maintaining the carbon and nitrogen cycles. They act as nature’s recyclers, breaking down organic matter and transforming it into nutrients that plants can use to grow.   It is connected.   Plants, in turn, are the soil’s protectors, forming a verdant canopy that shields the earth from the sun’s hot rays and the relentless erosion of wind and water. Their roots, like tiny anchors, bind the soil particles together, preventing it from being swept away by the elements.

Through a process called transpiration, plants release water vapor into the atmosphere, creating a cooling effect that helps regulate the planet’s temperature. This water vapor eventually condenses into clouds, which then release rain, replenishing the soil’s moisture reserves and supporting the growth of new life.

But the role of microbes extends beyond the soil. High in the expanse of the atmosphere, reside invisible droplets of water known as atmospheric bacteria. These tiny droplets, acting like miniature sponges, absorb and hold water vapor, contributing to cloud formation and precipitation. In essence, these atmospheric bacteria are nature’s cloud seeding agents, playing a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s water cycle. They help ensure that the planet receives the life-sustaining rainfall it needs to support its diverse ecosystems.

As I deepen an understanding about the Soil Sponge, it becomes more and more obvious that a paradigm shift in our relationship with land and microbes is required.   We need too transition from exploitative practices that degrade soil health to regenerative strategies that restore and enhance soil functionality. This approach embraces the soil sponge as a key ally in the fight against climate change.

Microbes: The Heroes of Carbon Sequestration?

Microbial life within the soil sponge plays a critical role in carbon sequestration. Through a process known as decomposition, microorganisms break down organic matter, releasing nutrients essential for plant growth and converting carbon into stable forms that remain stored in the soil. This process not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also improves soil fertility and enhances plant productivity.

The Soil Sponge approach recognizes the symbiotic relationship between soil, plants, and microbes. By promoting healthy soil practices, we foster a thriving microbial community that effectively sequesters carbon and contributes to climate mitigation.

This represents a fundamental shift in our understanding of nature and our role within it. It moves away from the linear, extractive mindset that has dominated agriculture and land management for centuries. Instead, it embraces a regenerative approach that mimics natural processes and promotes long-term sustainability.

Regenerative land management practices, such as  applying and using microbe rich composts, reducing tillage, increasing organic matter inputs, and adopting diverse cover crops, work in harmony with the soil sponge, enhancing its ability to store carbon, regulate water cycles, and support healthy plant growth. These practices not only mitigate climate change but also improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and increase food production.

The Soil Sponge approach offers a beacon of hope in the face of climate change. It is a observation to the interconnectedness of nature and the profound impact of soil health on the planet’s well-being.

As individuals, we can play a role in this paradigm shift by supporting regenerative agriculture, advocating for sustainable land management practices, and making conscious choices that promote soil health. By embracing the soil sponge as an ally, we can help Nature mitigate climate change, restore ecosystems, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.    She has already figured it out.

In the face of change, many of us feel a sense of helplessness, convinced that the magnitude of the environmental and collective crisis is beyond our individual reach. We observe the vastness of Nature, the intricate web of ecosystems, and the relentless forces of nature, and wonder if our actions can truly make a difference.   One thing that is certain is everything is connected and separating them is a futile and harmful attempt at healing.

In the vastness lies a profound and simple truth: the microcosm reflects the macrocosm. Just as the intricate image of a cell or microbe mirrors the grand structures of mountains and atmosphere, our individual actions, when aligned with a shared vision, have the power to transform our world.   What is our shared mission?   We all live here, together so I would imagine health is important for all.

However, the headline news has a negative impact that leaves many feeling hopeless in the middle of all the crisises.   Perhaps the call to action is not to change the world in its entirety, but to change the little worlds we inhabit.   It is to transform our homes and land into havens of sustainability and our communities into hubs of environmental consciousness. 

This transformation begins with a simple yet profound shift: a commitment to non-harm. We must recognize that our actions, from the products we consume to the energy we use, have ripple effects throughout the planet. By embracing a philosophy of non-harm, we minimize our ecological footprint and create space for the Earth’s natural systems to heal.

Let’s step back and take a look at the reality of our systems and how we approach life.   I hope this offers some thought provoking consideration.  Alternative healthcare and organic soil practices often mimic the industrial world’s approach of eradicating “bad guys”.    While it’s undoubtedly true that using natural products is generally preferable to using chemicals, it’s important to recognize that both approaches share a similar underlying mindset of control and manipulation while ignoring the “terrain”

In conventional medicine, the focus is often on identifying and eliminating pathogens or suppressing symptoms. Similarly, in conventional agriculture, the focus is on removing pests and weeds, creating a sterile environment for crops to grow. While these approaches may have short-term benefits, they can also have unintended consequences.

For instance, excessive use of antibiotics in both human medicine and animal agriculture has contributed to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a major public health threat. Similarly, the widespread use of herbicides and pesticides in agriculture has led to environmental contamination and the decline of beneficial insects and microorganisms.   Look at alternative (herbs and food) use in human and soil health?  Is the approach any different?

The soil, the very foundation upon which life flourishes, holds the key to this transformation.   All we have to do is observe the microbes.  As we nurture and replenish the soil (the microbes) we not only enhance food production and restore ecosystems but also mitigate climate change.  From the tiniest creatures to the grandest ecosystems, life is an intricate dance of interconnectedness.

Microbe compost, a symphony of microorganisms, mirrors this profound connection, offering a glimpse into the healing power of nature’s smallest beings. In every drop of compost tea lies a universe of potential, ready to revitalize the soil, the foundation upon which life thrives.     It is a science, for sure.   And, we use our microscope to observe the life in our compost.   This is our tool!  Science, with its pursuit of knowledge and understanding, plays a crucial role in this transformation. By asking the right questions, seeking answers, and sharing insights, we illuminate the complex connections between our actions and the planet’s health.

When we view the Earth not as something to be saved but as a living, self-regulating system, we adopt a more harmonious relationship with our planet. We recognize that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of all living things.   Organisms regulate climate through intricate feedback loops and interactions. Plants, through photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while forests, acting as sponges, absorb and regulate water flow. Microorganisms in the soil play a vital role in carbon sequestration, trapping carbon and preventing its release back into the atmosphere.

We stand on the solution, not as saviors of the planet, but as integral parts of its intricate web of life. By nurturing the soil, embracing sustainable practices, and aligning our actions with the Earth’s natural rhythms, we can transform our little worlds and, in doing so, contribute to a collective healing of our planet.

Plants need rain, and rain needs plants. This simple yet profound interdependence highlights the interconnectedness of life on Earth. As we care for the soil, we nurture the plants, and in turn, the plants sustain the water cycle, creating a regenerative system that supports life.

Our individual actions, like ripples in a pond, have the potential to create waves of change. By changing our little worlds, we can collectively transform our planet, one step, one action, at a time. 

.Iit is to the soil, the humble cradle of life, that we ultimately return.  We come from the water of our mother’s womb and enter an intricate dance with earth.  So why do  we distance ourselves from the soil.   Isn’t this severing the thread of kinship that binds us to each other and all life.. Alienation, a malady of modern society, stems from this disconnect, a detachment from the microbial symphony that orchestrates life’s grand performance.   The soil, far from being a mere expanse of dirt, is a teeming metropolis of life, a vibrant tapestry of microorganisms that play a pivotal role in our existence.   Somehow getting “dirty” is bad for us!     No so!   These microscopic friends, are the  heroes of our life and health: the architects of nutrient cycles, the guardians of soil health, and the custodians of our very survival.

By reconnecting with the soil, by immersing ourselves in its rich microbial tapestry, we not only nourish the earth but also nurture our own well-being. We rediscover our place within the intricate web of life, recognizing our interdependence with the very ground upon which we stand.

it is in the soil that our truest essence lies. Let us honor the microbial symphony that sustains us, and in doing so, rediscover the profound connection that binds us to our planet, our home.  And, that is why we are making Microbe Compost and creating an education center to teach about self reliance and sufficiency!   

Are you called to be a part of this change of hope?   Living Ground is entering a special phase of creation building from the ground up with all our might and using our brains and hands to lift the project.    If you are called to support this work, please contact us.    This is a collective endeavor.   And, yes, we are selling our microbe complete compost…let’s spread the microbes.

The success of your garden begins with one fundamental factor – its soil and the microbes. This ensures a flourishing garden.  Living Soil Yum is our latest, tested all natural product to help our soils, plants and humans.  It is a mixture of our Microbe Grown Compost Humic and Fulvic Acid, Azolla, Comfrey, Yarrow, and Nettle.   Next to our Microbe Compost, this is your garden’s best companion. It will elevate soil structure, nutrient accessibility, and plant resilience, all contributing to vigorous growth and top-tier, nutrient dense produce.

We are soil geeks and we love the microbes.    During our training with Dr Elaine ingham, she challenged us, the students, to create special recipes to increase biology in our BioComplete (TM) compost piles.  All students embark upon experiments studying and counting the microbes with our microscope.   Our goal is to increase the good guy biology.

Nic and I also are getting to know our Ecuadorian soils, the challenges we all face with soil restoration and we are finding solutions.    From our land, we hand picked precious plants high in mineral and nutrient contet.    We took our best and most diverse Microbe Compost and we made a blend that is amazing. 

We checked it in the microscope and we were pleasantly surprised. PUT CURSOR ON PHOTO FOR EXPLAINATION! 

We beleive this is chlorphyll from the Azolla plant.

Diatom! So pretty. Our sample did show off many minerals too!

Amazing fulvic (yellow) and humic(brown) acid

Amazed at the Fungi!

Lots of fungi spores…which is perfect!

More spores!

This amazing blend is a supercharge for your garden’s vitality,!   The ingredients are Microbe Grown Compost Humic and Fulvic Acid, Azolla, Comfrey, Yarrow, and Nettle.   This is a haven for beneficial microbes .  When you add water, the spores and cysts will wake up!   The microbes, btw, are the ones that break down organic matter, releasing nutrients and safeguarding plants from pests and diseases.  Let’s look at the benefits.

Humic and Fulvic Acid

These acids are very complext compounds that science has not yet figured out.  These intricate organic acids form over millions of years through the decomposition of plants and animals. While their precise structure remains a mystery, their crucial role in soil health and plant growth is undeniable.   It is also beneficial for humans too.   It is interesting to note that fulvic and humic acid supplements are not regulated by the FDA, yet!   I suppose they cannot regulate something they can not understand.   That is good news for us!    .   I drink our compost extracts and teas for these acids.  Yes, I do!   I have a microscope to ensure only the good guys are home!

What does these complex molecules do for soils, plants and humans?

For the soil and plants:

• Helps to transport nutrients into plant cells
• Improves the soil’s structure and drainage
• Chelates minerals, making them more available to plants 
• Increases the water-holding capacity of the soil
• Helps to detoxify plants from heavy metals and other pollutants
• Helps to suppress soil-borne diseases 

For Humans:

• Supports immune system function
• Promotes detoxification of heavy metals and other toxins
• Reduces inflammation
• Enhances nutrient absorption
• Boosts energy and athletic performance
• Supports skin health
• Supports wound healing
• Supports gut health 

Azolla:   

This nitrogen-fixing fern enriches the soil with crucial nitrogen, supporting plant growth and optimizing water retention. Azolla is a versatile and beneficial soil amendment that can improve soil fertility, crop yields, and pest resistance. It is a rich source of nitrogen, organic matter, and it has been shown to suppress some soil-borne pests and diseases. Azolla is a fern that can also help to improve water quality by providing oxygen to aquatic ecosystems.   

Comfrey:

We comfrey both for its’ benefits for humans (bone knitting) and as a chop and drop in our gardens and pasture.   Comfrey is a nutrient-rich herb, delivering essential elements such as nitrogen, potassium and calcium. 

Yarrow:

Known for its soil structure-enhancing capabilities and deep-reaching roots that break up compacted soil. It also provides valuable nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and calcium.  Yarrow is not native to Ecuador but our stock in the garden is growing happily.  

Nettle: 

Ah, the beautifil and yet dangerous nettle!   She is a favourite on my list of nutritive herbs.    She adds  iron, magnesium, potassium, and silica, reinforcing plant cell walls.

Such an amazing blend!   We are excited!

The Benefits of Our Soil Amendment

Improved Soil Structure
Our soil amendment enriches the soil’s structure by introducing organic matter and beneficial microbes, resulting in better drainage, aeration, and water retention.

Enhanced Nutrient Accessibility
It elevates nutrient availability by unlocking nutrients from organic matter and enhancing the soil’s capacity to hold them. The outcome? Quicker growth, increased yields, and superior-quality produce.

Resistance to Pests and Diseases
Strengthening plants, making them more resilient against pests and diseases, ultimately saving you time and money on treatments.

Promoting Plant Growth and Development
By supplying the essential nutrients and beneficial microbes, it paves the way for robust plant growth.

Applying Our Soil Amendment

To reap the benefits, dissolve 1 tbsp in litre of pure (non-chlorinated) water.   This can then be dilluted once again or give each plant a little drink.    Mix well and apply immediately to your plants and garden.   You can also ncorporate it into your compost pile to expedite and encrish the composting process. For optimal results, use it every few weeks throughout the growing season.   Even better, purchase our Aged Organic Matter (mixto) and blend!

Revitalize Your Garden! 

Boost your garden’s well-being and witness it thrive like never before.