Soil Regeneration: The Microbiome and Animal Connection

The world beneath our feet, the soil, remains one of the planet's most enigmatic frontiers. Despite its fundamental importance, our understanding of soil ecology is remarkably limited. It is only in recent times that the concept of the soil food web has begun to gain widespread recognition. We struggle to understand the soil's complex system due to its invisibility. Buried in darkness, an uncharted microscopic universe hides its intricate processes.

The soil microbiome, concentrated predominantly within the top six inches of the soil profile, functions as the digestive and immune systems for plants. Much like our own gut microbiome, it breaks down organic matter, facilitates nutrient uptake, and protects against pathogens. However, this critical layer is perpetually exposed to the elements. Extreme temperatures, prolonged drought, or excessive rainfall can cause the microbiome to regress, entering a state of dormancy. The question then arises: how does this vital ecosystem recover?   

The answer lies in the interconnectedness of life. The soil microbiome is intricately linked to the gut microbiome of animals that consume plants. When animals defecate, they effectively inoculate the soil with a rich and diverse community of microbes. Insects, in turn, play a crucial role in distributing this microbial inoculum throughout the environment. This cycle – soil to plants to animals and insects back to soil – represents a fundamental ecological process.   

Unfortunately, human development has severely disrupted this vital cycle. Land clearing, habitat destruction, and the displacement of wildlife have drastically reduced animal populations, diminishing the flow of microbes and nutrients back into the soil.  The long-term consequence is a slow, insidious decline in soil health, with a reduction in earthworm and insect populations serving as key indicators. This reduction in soil life, in turn, leads to a decrease in birds and small mammals, further disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Regenerative agriculture offers a powerful solution to this crisis. By strategically integrating animals into farming and ranching practices, we can stimulate microbial activity and increase soil organic carbon levels. This not only restores soil fertility but also revitalizes essential ecosystem services such as water cycle regulation and carbon sequestration.  

Another effective approach to restoring soil health is the utilization of Johnson-Su bioreactors to produce biologically active compost. Unlike traditional composting methods that primarily focus on adding nutrients, Johnson-Su bioreactors cultivate a diverse and thriving microbial community, with a focus on beneficial fungi. These static, aerated compost systems maintain moisture like a damp sponge. The resulting compost serves as a potent microbial inoculant, applied to seeds, roots, plant leaves, and the soil, introducing a wide range of beneficial microorganisms.

In conclusion, the restoration of the microbiota cycle is paramount for the health of our planet. By embracing regenerative practices and promoting the widespread adoption of Johnson-Su bioreactors, we can revitalize our soils, restore biodiversity, and create a more sustainable future. Crucially, healthy soil enhances resilience, enabling us to mitigate and adapt to the future effects of climate change.

Leaves are given a water bath before being loaded into the bioreactor.

Modified Johnson-Su Bioreactors. The whole in the center is for airflow.