How the nations farm lands have gone from rich living soil to lifeless dirt, with dire consequences to our environment.
Academy Award-nominated actor and environmentalist Woody Harrelson narrates "Kiss the Ground," a powerful documentary that highlights the untapped potential of soil to substantially reduce climate change. Directed by Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Tickell, the film presents a compelling argument for regenerative agriculture as a solution to combat climate change and the devastating effects of soil erosion.
Corporate agriculture practices has contributed to much of this soil erosion in several ways, including large-scale monoculture farming practices, which involve growing a single crop over vast areas, depleting the soil of nutrients and organic matter, making it more susceptible to erosion. To maximize profits, many corporations have cleared large areas of forests and other natural habitats for agricultural use, disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to more soil erosion and degradation. Corporate agriculture has also been criticized for promoting unsustainable farming practices, such as intensive tillage and the use of heavy machinery, which can compact soil and make it more vulnerable to erosion.
Pesticides and Artificial Nutrients
One of the consequences of soil erosion is that it can lead to a reliance on artificial nutrients and pesticides. When soil is eroded, it loses vital nutrients and minerals, making it difficult for crops to grow. As a result, farmers often turn to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to improve crop yields. However, these chemicals can have negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Water Runoff and Waste
Soil erosion also affects water absorption. Eroded, compacted soil has reduced ability to absorb water, leading to water run-off. The run-off can carry away topsoil, nutrients, and other pollutants, affecting the quality of nearby water bodies. This can lead to water pollution, decreased aquatic biodiversity, and increased flooding.
Pictorial
Devastating Effects
This documentary showcases the devastating effects of soil erosion, including decreased soil fertility, increased desertification, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The film emphasizes the importance of regenerative agriculture in combatting soil erosion, as practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage can help to rebuild and maintain healthy soil.
The film also explores the historical and cultural significance of soil, emphasizing the importance of indigenous knowledge and practices in soil regeneration. It features inspiring stories of farmers who have successfully implemented regenerative practices and highlights the positive impact it has had on their communities.
The filmmakers do an excellent job of making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience, using clear visuals and animations to explain the carbon cycle and the role that soil plays in sequestering carbon. The film also provides practical advice on how viewers can support regenerative agriculture by making informed choices about the food they eat.
A Must Watch Film
Overall, "Kiss the Ground," is a well-crafted and informative documentary that presents a compelling case for regenerative agriculture as a solution to combat climate change and the devastating effects of soil erosion. It highlights the importance of building healthy soil to improve crop yields, reduce the reliance on artificial nutrients and pesticides, and create a sustainable food system for future generations. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainability and the future of our planet.
There are several ways to solve the soil erosion crisis:
Practice Conservation Tillage: This method involves leaving the soil undisturbed as much as possible, which helps to maintain soil structure and prevent erosion.
Use Cover Crops: Planting cover crops such as clover or rye during off-seasons can help to protect and nourish the soil, reducing erosion.
Practice Crop Rotation: Alternating crops on a piece of land helps to prevent the depletion of soil nutrients and maintain soil health.
Support Regenerative Agriculture: Choose to buy food from farmers who practice regenerative agriculture, which focuses on building soil health through practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage.
Reduce Water Runoff: Implementing techniques such as terracing, contour farming, and planting vegetation along waterways can help to reduce the amount of water runoff and erosion.
Use Natural Fertilizers and Pesticides: Avoid using artificial fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm soil health and contribute to erosion.
Support Conservation Programs: Support conservation programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which provide financial incentives to farmers for implementing soil conservation practices.
