Soil Economics: How the Ground Beneath Our Feet Mirrors Our Economy
Did you know that the principles of economics don’t just apply to nations or businesses? They’re also at work beneath our feet—in the soil! Just like in our everyday lives, the “economy” of soil is all about interactions, transactions, and relationships, driven by the big three players: soil, plants, and soil biology.
Taking Care of the Land: A Conservation Ethic
The idea of “taking care of the land”—or having a conservation ethic—reflects the core belief that we’re all responsible for the natural resources we rely on. For those of us in conservation, farmers and ranchers have always been among the best stewards of the land. After all, their livelihoods depend on the long-term health and productivity of their soil. But despite their dedication, it’s becoming more challenging for some producers to implement these practices due to evolving trends in land ownership and management.
Stayin’ Alive, Stayin’ Alive... with Soil Health!
For thousands of years, humans farmed in sync with nature. But in the last century, we’ve taken a different approach, using machines, chemicals, and fossil fuels to boost production. While this industrial agriculture has been profitable, it’s come at a cost to the environment.