I recently watched a documentary called “Kiss the Ground ”. The basic premise is that by healing the soil we can heal our climate crisis. The story asks us to honour natural processes versus chemical processes. Soil damaged by chemicals and excess tillage gives off carbon dioxide whereas healthy soil sequesters carbon dioxide. Poor land leads to poor people.

Estimates are that one third of the topsoil in the US has disappeared since 1970 and projections are that worldwide, topsoil will be gone in 60 years. One of the most dramatic scenes in the film shows the view from space where carbon emissions in the northern hemisphere peak dramatically in April and May . This is attributed to tilling the soil and the application of chemicals to farmland. Later in June July and August when plants are actively growing, the carbon dioxide levels drop drastically. Much of that carbon is locked into the soil as part of the growing process.

A move to regenerative agriculture can begin to reduce the legacy load of carbon in our atmosphere. An annual increase worldwide of just 0.4% sequestration can actually begin to draw down emissions. Using such strategies as no till, diverse cover crops, and managed grazing can increase microbial activity and plant health, increase water retention, reduce erosion, and increase the carbon held in the soil. They also increase income and profits for farmers. In fact China regenerated a barren area in the Loess Plateau between 1994 to 2009. An area of 35,000 square kilometres was transformed into a productive agricultural green space. The pictures are dramatic. The quality of life for the people and the biodiversity, the health of the environment were enhanced. Erosion was held in check and quality of water improved.

Small changes in our food choices can make a difference. The video asks us to choose foods that are grown regeneratively.

The documentary is available on over the internet. Check the following URL to see different options for watching . https://kissthegroundmovie.com

Submitted by Don Farwell