Save Soil

Andres Diaz
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A podcast dedicated to exploring the silent crisis threatening the foundation of our existence: soil degradation. In each episode, we delve into the problems facing our soils around the world and, most importantly, the practical solutions that we can all implement. From erosion and desertification to the loss of nutrients and biodiversity, our conversations with experts, farmers, and activists reveal the urgency to act now. You'll discover why the Save Soil movement is crucial for global food security, the climate crisis, and the health of our ecosystems. But this isn't just a podcast about problems: it's a call to action. We share regenerative techniques, effective policies, and lifestyle changes that can transform the health of our soils. You'll learn practical solutions that you can implement in your garden, community, or through your power as a consumer and citizen. Join us on this essential journey to understand and protect our planet's most precious and undervalued resource. Because when we save the soil, we save our future.

  1. OCT 6

    Microplastics in agricultural soil: what effects do they have on the harvest?

    Summary: - The episode explains microplastics in agricultural soil: tiny plastic fragments from degraded plastics, textile fibers, and farming materials, arriving also via contaminated irrigation water and compost or manure. They’re not inert and can accumulate in topsoil or spread deeper. - Effects on the soil and harvest: microplastics alter soil structure, porosity, water retention, and air flow, which affects nutrient availability and the activity of beneficial soil microbes. This can lead to less stable soil, more water stress, and sometimes lower or less uniform yields. - How microplastics interact with the field: some stay in the topsoil for years, while others penetrate deeper and interact with soil water and microbiota. They can release chemical additives and attract contaminants like heavy metals, influencing fungi, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health. - Two main impact pathways: (1) physical/structural changes to soil aggregation and water retention; (2) biochemical changes due to additives and contaminants affecting microbiota and nutrient availability. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own field observations regarding germination and growth. - Considerations for exposure: heavy use of plastic mulch leads to fragmentation and persistent microplastics, which can affect harvest quality, texture, and plant health. - Practical steps to gain control: simple surface soil sampling to estimate plastics; assess the origin of agricultural plastics (e.g., disposable mulches or nets); prioritize waste management and consider reusable mulch options; promote soil-building practices such as cover crops, crop rotation, and adding high-quality organic matter. - Prevention and ongoing management: opt for more durable mulches, better management of sludges and compost to avoid contaminants, and promote soil biodiversity to help break down plastics and trap fewer-mobile particles. - Additional context: mentions resources on desertification (sav esou1.org) and presents Sadhguru’s view of soil as a living organism, advocating less tillage, more crop diversity, cover crops, and organic matter to nourish soil life. - Three-phase action plan: - Phase 1 – Diagnosis: root-zone soil sampling. - Phase 2 – Reduce inputs: identify and replace key plastic-entry points on the farm. - Phase 3 – Soil strengthening: use cover crops and certified compost to support microbial life. - Yield considerations: there is no universal answer; effects depend on plastic load, crop type, and soil conditions. Proper practices can minimize negative effects and maintain a viable harvest. - Monitoring guidance: use a simple log of rainfall, temperature, waste management, and visible plant stress; correlate data with productivity to gauge microplastic impact and adjust practices. - Call to action: commit to small, sustainable changes in soil management to reduce plastic load and improve soil health; healthy soil supports harvest and food security. - Closing invitation: subscribe, share, or provide feedback; contact details are given for further discussion. Remeber you can contact me at andresdiaz@bestmanagement.org

    7 min

  2. SEP 29

    Acidic Soils: How to Restore Their Agricultural Fertility?

    Summary: - The episode by Andrés Díaz explains how acidic soils reduce crop performance and how to restore fertility. - Key concepts: soil pH measures acidity, and CEC (cation exchange capacity) gauges how much positive charge the soil can hold. Soils with low CEC are more easily tipped out of balance by pH changes, and a vast soil microbiome helps release nutrients. - Effects of acidity: calcium and magnesium become less available, soil structure tightens, roots get less oxygen, and plants expend more energy to uptake nutrients, leading to lower yields, higher disease risk, and less efficient fertilizer use. - Diagnosis and targets: measure pH and base saturation; aim for pH around 6.0–6.5 for most crops (some fruit trees tolerate slightly lower); test deeper soil as well. - Liming as a fix: use calcitic or dolomitic lime depending on whether you need Ca alone or Ca plus Mg. Do not guess the dose—calculate it from target pH, CEC, and soil reactivity, and apply in stages to avoid salinity shocks. Pair lime with increased organic matter (compost, manure, crop residues) because lime alone won’t restore soil life. - Soil texture considerations: loamier or clay soils often respond better to corrections and need smaller doses than sandy soils; adjust fertilization if phosphorus or micronutrient gaps exist to prevent new imbalances. - Practices to rebuild fertility and a living soil: add high-quality organic matter year-round, improve structure and water retention, and boost microbial diversity; this enhances nutrient availability and can reduce synthetic fertilizer needs. - Cropping strategies: use rotation and cover crops (especially legumes) to add nitrogen and reduce erosion; select crops tolerant of slightly acidic conditions while aiming to raise pH for main crops. - Six practical steps to follow: 1) test pH and base saturation; 2) calculate lime needs with professional help; 3) choose calcitic or dolomitic lime; 4) apply gradually; 5) add organic matter and use cover crops; 6) monitor and adjust annually. Keep records to learn what works in your climate. - Takeaway messages: soil is a living ecosystem; compost and cover crops often yield the biggest medium-term gains; addressing lime costs is a common concern, but a well-planned correction can boost yields and reduce fertilizer costs over time. Patience and consistency are key, with professional guidance when possible. - Additional inspiration: ideas from Save Soil and Sadhguru emphasize returning organic matter, protecting microbial diversity, and avoiding harsh chemicals, plus practical steps like composting, mulching, cover crops, and careful irrigation. Remeber you can contact me at andresdiaz@bestmanagement.org

    5 min

  3. SEP 15

    Pesticides in Agricultural Soil: How to Restore Its Life?

    Summary: - Pesticides do more than protect crops; they disrupt the soil’s living ecosystem, affecting microbes, earthworms, and fungi that underpin plant health, water/nutrient storage, and long-term farm viability. - Soil health is foundational for sustainable farming. Residues can persist for months or years, shifting microbial communities, slowing organic matter decomposition, reducing yields, and potentially impacting water quality and food safety. - A single gram of soil can host up to a billion microorganisms; mycorrhizal fungi help nutrient uptake, and pesticides can weaken these crucial plant–soil relationships. - The speaker channels a Sadhguru-inspired view: treat soil as a living organism, aim to restore life with more organic matter, less tillage, cover crops, and practices that strengthen the plant–soil network; reduce harsh chemicals and increase compost, trees, and biodiversity. - Practical restoration steps include: (1) cut doses and apply IPM (monitoring, traps, crop choices, biocontrol) to reduce chemicals; (2) add organic matter (mature compost, well-decomposed manure, residues); (3) rotate crops and use cover crops (legumes, grasses) to fix nitrogen and build biomass; (4) practice reduced or no tillage; (5) use inoculants and biocontrol (mycorrhizae, growth promoters, degrader fungi) with guidance and registered products; (6) regular monitoring of residues, biodiversity, and plant responses. - Expected results: increased soil life, better water infiltration, greater resilience to drought and heavy rain, and a gradual drop in residues; restoration takes time (6–12 months to see changes). - A practical start includes: documenting pesticides used and timing; switching to less persistent products if possible; adding compost at the root zone; planting cover crops for at least three seasons; observing earthworms, soil moisture, and plant vitality. - Set clear goals and measure progress by recording doses/dates, tracking cover crops, monitoring root density and earthworms, and testing soil every six months for organic matter, pH, and nutrients. - Community approach: frame restoration as a family or neighborhood project with weekly soil actions (e.g., pesticide-free borders, compost, new cover crops). - Closing: soil restoration is a shared duty among farmers, consumers, and communities; desertification is real and every action counts; visit savesoil.org for more. Remeber you can contact me at andresdiaz@bestmanagement.org

    4 min

  4. SEP 8

    Saline soils of farmland: How to restore them?

    Summary: - The episode explains that saline soils arise when irrigation leaves salts in the soil, reducing root water uptake and harming soil structure, chemistry, and biology. Salt makes the “living sponge” (the soil) harder, with fewer pores, leading to wilting and lower productivity. - Diagnosis and immediates: measure soil electrical conductivity (EC), look for surface crusts, and review irrigation/drainage history. Midday wilting suggests salinity issues. Start by checking drainage and use data to plan leaching or crop-management actions. - Practical steps to restore saline soils (in order): 1) Improve drainage to prevent salts from moving toward roots and to wash them away. 2) Leach salts carefully with controlled irrigation (drip or micro-sprinklers) without wasting water or nutrients. 3) Add organic matter (compost, manure, cover crops) to improve soil structure and moisture retention; consider dedicating part of the plot to cover crops. 4) Use selective amendments when needed (e.g., gypsum in sodic soils) only after proper diagnosis. 5) Choose salt-tolerant crops and rotate with legumes to boost organic matter and soil biology. 6) Keep the soil covered year-round (mulch or cover crops) to reduce evaporation and salt rise. 7) Protect soil biodiversity with beneficial microbes and inoculants; avoid excessive saline fertilizers. - Recovery timeline: soil recovery is gradual, taking months or years depending on salinity levels and water availability; consistent drainage, water management, and organic matter buildup are key. - Framing the process as a project: start with diagnosis, followed by a drainage plan, an irrigation/amendment plan, small-plot testing, and scaling based on results. - Engagement: listener prompts about which step to start this week; encouragement to share plans and results. - Additional insights: salinity also harms soil microbiology; modest compost can help reverse compaction; cover crops can boost biodiversity; if soil is viewed as a bank, organic matter compounds over time. - Quick fact: salt management depends on the balance between salinity and sodicity; gypsum helps displace sodium only after proper diagnosis. - Goal and next steps: provide concrete tools for evaluation and improvement, with a proposed 60-day plan for the next episode; invites deeper study of efficient irrigation, amendments, and cover-crop rotations. - Contact: Andres Diaz invites subscribers to connect and share feedback at the provided email. Remeber you can contact me at andresdiaz@bestmanagement.org

    8 min

  5. SEP 1

    Pest control or soil destruction? How to protect the health of our fields

    This episode, hosted by Andrés Díaz, explores the critical issue of pest control versus soil preservation and how farming practices impact the health of our soils and the broader ecosystem. It highlights that approximately 33% of the world's soils are degraded, risking a future food crisis. The discussion emphasizes that traditional pest control methods often rely on harmful pesticides, which can destroy beneficial microorganisms, pollute the environment, and remain in the soil for years, leading to soil infertility and ecosystem collapse. Alternatives such as agroecology, regenerative farming, organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and beneficial insects like ladybugs are presented as sustainable solutions that promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce chemical dependence. The episode advocates for a shift in mindset towards natural, holistic farming practices, emphasizing the spiritual and interconnected relationship humans have with the earth. Education and awareness are key to adopting these sustainable methods. The episode concludes with a call to action: small changes in farming and personal habits can reverse soil degradation and foster a healthier planet. Protecting soil is essential not only for food security but for our very survival, as the earth's health reflects our own. Listeners are encouraged to learn more and participate in efforts to combat desertification through resources like savesoil.org. Remember you can contact me at andresdiaz@bestmanagement.org

    5 min

  6. JUN 9

    Is the urban soil in danger? How to combat compaction and restore its life

    This episode, hosted by Andrés Díaz, discusses the critical state of urban soil and how to combat soil compaction to restore its health. Urban soil is vital for water quality, food production, biodiversity, and overall quality of life, but it faces threats from practices like heavy machinery use, paving, and trampling, which lead to compaction. Compacted soil becomes less permeable, hampers root growth, and diminishes microbial life, turning urban green spaces into barren, concrete-like environments. To address this, Díaz suggests simple, accessible solutions such as reducing trampling by creating permeable pathways, adding organic matter like compost to improve soil structure, aerating with tools or lightweight machinery, and applying mulch to retain moisture. Planting native trees and deep-rooted plants can naturally break through compacted layers, creating pathways for water and air. Promoting permeable pavements and green zones in urban planning can significantly reduce soil compaction and improve water infiltration. Individual actions include avoiding repeated walking over the same spots, watering wisely, and supporting sustainable urban development. Community efforts like education, urban reforestation, and native species planting are vital. Protecting urban soil is essential for preventing desertification and maintaining ecological balance. The episode emphasizes that caring for urban soil is a shared responsibility that directly impacts our environment and quality of life. Small daily actions and environmental awareness can make a substantial difference in restoring soil health and urban ecosystems. Remember you can contact me at andresdiaz@bestmanagement.org

    5 min

  7. JUN 2

    Can urban soil be regenerated? Practical solutions to revitalizing our city spaces

    This episode, hosted by Andrés Díaz, explores the potential for regenerating urban soil and practical ways to revitalize city spaces. Urban soils often suffer from degradation, pollution, and compaction, turning cities into "soil deserts," which diminishes their ecological and social benefits. However, urban soil has a remarkable capacity to recover if properly supported through actions like increasing green spaces, planting native species, creating community gardens, and employing soil bioremediation techniques. These efforts help improve air quality, reduce temperatures, enhance biodiversity, and boost community well-being. Díaz emphasizes that soil restoration is accessible to everyone—individuals can start composting, organize cleanup campaigns, or develop urban gardens. Collective action can transform cities into greener, healthier environments. For more information and resources, visit save soil.org. Ultimately, caring for urban soil is a shared responsibility that can lead to more sustainable and vibrant cities, making each small effort a step toward planetary health. Remember you can contact me at andresdiaz@bestmanagement.org

    5 min

  8. MAY 31

    Are we losing soil biodiversity? How to preserve it for a healthy future

    This episode, hosted by Andrés Díaz, emphasizes the crucial importance of soil biodiversity for our planet's health and our own survival. It highlights that about 25% of Earth's biodiversity resides in the soil, including microorganisms, worms, bacteria, and fungi, which form a vital underground ecosystem that supports fertility, plant health, and climate regulation. Losing this biodiversity threatens food security, accelerates desertification—where fertile land turns into desert—and jeopardizes ecosystem stability. The episode explains that practices like chemical overuse, monoculture, and neglect harm soil life. To preserve soil health, sustainable methods such as crop rotation, organic farming, reducing chemical fertilizers, and composting are recommended. Small actions, like avoiding pesticides and supporting conservation efforts, can make a significant difference. It also touches on the spiritual dimension, suggesting that soil reflects our relationship with nature and that respecting it requires a shift in mindset towards greater consciousness and reverence. The potential consequences of losing soil biodiversity are severe: collapse of agriculture, ecosystem breakdown, and increased climate change. In conclusion, Díaz urges listeners to recognize their role in protecting soil and to take responsible actions—from gardening practices to supporting policies—that ensure a healthy, sustainable future. Healthy soil is portrayed as our true wealth and the foundation of life itself. Remember you can contact me at andresdiaz@bestmanagement.org

    5 min
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About

A podcast dedicated to exploring the silent crisis threatening the foundation of our existence: soil degradation. In each episode, we delve into the problems facing our soils around the world and, most importantly, the practical solutions that we can all implement. From erosion and desertification to the loss of nutrients and biodiversity, our conversations with experts, farmers, and activists reveal the urgency to act now. You'll discover why the Save Soil movement is crucial for global food security, the climate crisis, and the health of our ecosystems. But this isn't just a podcast about problems: it's a call to action. We share regenerative techniques, effective policies, and lifestyle changes that can transform the health of our soils. You'll learn practical solutions that you can implement in your garden, community, or through your power as a consumer and citizen. Join us on this essential journey to understand and protect our planet's most precious and undervalued resource. Because when we save the soil, we save our future.

Information

  • Creator
    Andres Diaz
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Andres Diaz
  • Show Website
    Save Soil