1/3 of the world’s soil is degraded. But technology can bring our farmland ‘back to life’

In Iowa they call it “black gold” – a fertile blanket covering the landlocked Midwestern state. Thousands of years of prairie grass growth, death and decomposition have left a thick layer of dark, organic matter on the vast plains.

…. It gave Iowa one of the most fertile soils on the planet and enabled it to become one of the largest producers of corn, soybeans and oats in the United States over the last 160 or so years.

But beneath the feet of Iowa’s farmers, a crisis is unfolding. The average topsoil depth in Iowa decreased from around 14-18 inches (35-45cm) at the start of the 20th Century to 6-8 inches (15-20cm) by its end. Relentless tilling and disturbance from farm vehicles have allowed wind and water to whisk away this priceless resource.

Related on the SLP

Viewpoint: Why Washington should sharply increase funding for intensive agricultural to address climate change, spur sustainability Which is better for building healthy farm soil? Organic offers no special edge.

Viewpoint: Dubious environmental fears: Why the AI buildout is critical to America’s ecological future

Vitamin D, omega-3 fish oil and glucosamine supplements could cause brain damage 

Child-monitoring apps: When the cure is worse than the harm—and how the technology could be tweaked

The same picture is seen on farms worldwide …. The problems facing Iowa are by no means unique. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), a third of the world’s soil is now moderately to highly degraded. Soils are becoming severely degraded due to a combination of intensive farming practices and natural processes …. Without altering agricultural practices and urgently finding ways to preserve soil, the global food supply starts to look precarious.

Read full, original article: Why soil is disappearing from farms