Attention ranchers, farmers, and backyard gardeners! Are you ready to Soil Your Undies in the name of soil health?
Here’s the BRIEF –
Under our feet are tiny microbes and insects that chow down on organic material. Cotton is a natural fiber that microbes love to eat. Though many are too small to see with the naked eye, we can see the fruits of their labor, by leaving undies underground as a test. The more your briefs break down, the more alive your soil is!
If you have ever been interested in testing your soil, this is a fun, low-cost, entry-level soil health test to understand what is happening below ground and the importance of soil biology.
Check out this video from the Montana Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) for details on how to plant your undies!
- “Plant” your new 100% cotton undies, vertically around 6 inches deep in the site you’re curious about. Tip: Plant your undies during peak growing season when the microbes are most active (usually May or June)
- Keep the undies as flat as possible and don’t forget to mark the spot where you planted them
- Wait at least 60 days, to give time for the soil microbes to work their magic
- Dig up your undies and share your results! Take photos or videos to document your journey, and send them to info@madisoncd.org
Are your undies hanging on by a string? You might have some really healthy soil!
If your undies are still in one piece, don’t fret. A primary goal of this challenge is to begin exploring your soil health and try your hand at soil testing! What your undies look like after being dug up can tell you a lot about your soil, but it’s just the beginning. Check out our soil health pamphlet for tips about improving your soil’s health and find resources for more in-depth soil testing.
You are also encouraged to share your results by filling out and returning our undie observation form! Bonus: If you’d like to contribute to our soil health map, include the approximate latitude and longitude of your undie planting site.
Soil Microbes are microscopic organisms that live in the soil, such as bacteria and fungi, and they are vital for soil health.
It is estimated that just one teaspoon of healthy soil contains more microbes than there are people on the planet. Beneficial soil microbes perform essential functions, such as nutrient cycling, breaking down organic material, preventing disease, and stimulating plant growth.
For more information on soil health and the “Soil Your Undies” program, visit our office or contact us at maia@madisoncd.org.
