Living Soil (2018)
Living Soil, a 60-minute documentary, takes viewers on a profound journey through the heart of our planet’s most vital resource: soil. Directed by Chelsea Myers of Tiny Attic Productions and produced by the Soil Health Institute, this film weaves together the stories of farmers, scientists, and policymakers who recognize the critical role soil health plays in our collective future.
Here’s a glimpse into the rich narrative of Living Soil:
- Diverse Landscapes: From the lush landscapes of Oregon to the sun-baked fields of California, from the vast green acres of the Midwest to the waterfront farming communities around the Chesapeake Bay, the film traverses diverse ecosystems. Each location reveals a unique relationship between humans and the soil they steward.
- Shared Theme: Throughout the documentary, a shared theme resonates: Our soil is a special resource we should all cherish and strive to protect. Farmers, whether tilling the earth in Oregon or fishing along the Chesapeake Bay, share their stories. Their connection to the land is as varied as the soil itself.
- Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science: The film celebrates the wisdom passed down through generations—the knowledge that soil sustains life. But it also embraces modern science. Soil health experts discuss innovative practices that enhance productivity while preserving this precious resource.
- Our Food’s Foundation: Our soils support 95 percent of all food production. Yet, in the last 150 years, we’ve lost half of the basic building block that makes soil productive. The film underscores the urgency of protecting and regenerating our soil for future generations.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The documentary introduces us to sustainable agriculture practices. Cover cropping, rotational grazing, and no-till farming emerge as powerful tools. These methods not only yield healthier crops but also contribute to soil regeneration.
- Legacy and Responsibility: As the camera pans across fields, we witness the legacy of those who came before us. The soil remembers their toil, their hopes, and their resilience. It’s our responsibility to continue their work—to be guardians of the living soil.
- A Call to Action: The film leaves us with a call to action. By 2060, our soils will be asked to give us as much food as we have consumed in the last 500 years. It’s time to nurture the soil, to embrace regenerative practices, and to recognize that our well-being is intricately tied to the health of the earth beneath our feet.
Living Soil invites us to make this century the era of soil restoration. Let’s honor the land that sustains us—one handful of earth at a time.
