The Hidden World Beneath Our Feet: Unveiling Soil's Secrets and Its Importance

Soil is a vital yet underrated component of our planet, teeming with microorganisms and playing a crucial role in ecosystems. It contributes to medicine through antibiotics and supports plant growth via symbiotic relationships with fungi. Earthworms are essential for soil health, creating spaces for roots and aiding in nutrient cycling. Soil forms slowly but is easily destroyed, necessitating protection against threats like intensive farming and urbanization. Despite its importance, soil lacks adequate protection and champions, highlighting the need for increased awareness and conservation efforts.

What is the estimated number of microorganism species in a single gram of soil?

• 500,000

• 100,000

• 50,000

• 10,000

How do microorganisms in soil contribute to human medicine?

• By creating antibiotic compounds

• By decomposing organic matter

• By producing vitamins

• By enhancing plant growth

What role do earthworms play in the soil ecosystem?

• They create breathing holes in the soil

• They decompose rocks

• They produce carbon dioxide

• They absorb nutrients from plants

What is the relationship between plants and fungi in the soil?

• Fungi decompose plant roots

• Plants provide fungi with nitrogen

• Fungi provide plants with carbon

• Plants and fungi exchange nutrients

How long does it take to form 5 millimeters of soil?

• 50 years

• 500 years

• 10 years

• 100 years

What is a major threat to soil health mentioned in the transcript?

• Overwatering

• Excessive rainfall

• Lack of sunlight

• Intensive farming

Where is the oldest soil on Earth thought to be located?

• Australia

• South Africa

• Brazil

• India

How much more carbon does soil store compared to all plants on Earth?

• Five times as much

• Twice as much

• Three times as much

• Four times as much

What percentage of soils in Europe are considered unhealthy?

• 80-90%

• 60-70%

• 50-60%

• 30-40%

What is one of the key roles of soil in the environment?

• It produces oxygen

• It filters and cleans water

• It absorbs sunlight

• It generates wind