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Call for questions: DIRT! (Patreon)

Published:
2022-05-31 19:35:12
Imported:
2026-06

Content

What is dirt? Who lives in it? What secrets does it keep? Any why does it love our fingernails? Dr. Lydia Jennings (who calls herself a “soul nerd”) will be subjected to all of my questions — and some of yours, if you leave them below.

I’ve waited years for this one and I’m excited to get the scoop.

Bring it,

Alie McDadWard Von P

Comments

Elizabeth Edwards

How bad is it if my kids eat dirt? What if it's city dirt?

Jessica Kleist

Where is the best place to buy dirt? Also why do cats love to roll in it?

Maria Jouravleva

How do I know if my dirt is healthy? What can I do to foster "healthy" dirt?

Emily Wilkins

Do worms really poop dirt!? Do they help society!? TELL ME MORE

Winnie’s a Witch

as a pagan i have always found dirt both healing and protective (especially grave dirt) - is there a scientific meaning behind this??

Schmitty Thompson

Soil!!!! Ok so many questions! What is the difference between dirt and soil? What do we loose when we call all soil dirt? What is the most beautiful soil you've ever seen? Why does it smell so good? How can we better communicate how beautiful soil is?

Olga

Is it actually good for babies to play with dirt to build their immune systems?

Amy Narimatsu

My mom instilled in me the fear of god when it came to washing my produce. Is it really that bad if we eat some dirt? She mostly meant bc of pesticides but also the forbidden brown sugar

Geo Beck (Becky)

Can you talk about the connection between the bedrock in an area and the soil types that arise from it? And also the connection to the type of life that arises then because of that (geologist here who has touched a lot of dirt 😅)

Shannon Foster

Why does dirt soothe bug bites? My dad would always make a criss-cross with his fingernail on a bug bite and then cover it with mud. Always soothed the itch

Joe Mueller

What is the best way to amend clay soil?

Ashley Oki

What is soil and why do I have to buy it??

Jenny Lowe Rhodes

Is it proven that letting toddlers play in (and eat) dirt is good for their immunity/prevention against asthma, allergies? Love the pod!!

Ashley Oki

Why do I have to fertilize my plants? Why does some dirt have more nutrients than other dirt?

Rhona Taylor

What causes dirt to smell so luscious after rain? Is there some sort of evolutionary reason it smells so delicious?? .... Not that I want to eat dirt uhhh just asking for a friend (why do I sometimes kind of want to eat the dirt???)

Bronwyn Cole

Is it true that the scent of soil has antidepressant effects?

Danielle Solomon

Is there an objective best kind of dirt? Or if there’s a scale of good dirt to bad dirt, what makes it that way?

Ashley Oki

At what point does wet dirt become mud?

Amanda Heinrichs

Should I get a Lomi? How can the average person contribute to the dirt/soil health in our local environment/country?

BolognaShoes

Composting —Best place to start? What is the best kind of pile? To worm or not to worm? I only know enough to be dangerous.

Chris Curious

Is there a certain composition of materials required for it to be called dirt? **

Hannah Bean

^ this!! Is it true or just an old wives tale?

Chris Brewer

There's the old saying "Rub some dirt on it" when someone gets hurt. Soldiers during combat have also been known to plug wounds with dirt. What would be the consequences of rubbing dirt into an open wound.

Jessi B

Is it true that God made dirt so dirt don’t hurt? How about the 5 second rule? If I drop my Oreo in the dirt, can I still eat it if I’m quick? Asking for a friend…

Bee

Asking a former child who would *occasionally* consume the odd dirt clod: is it safe to eat dirt?

Clara Pfundt

Yes!! I want to hear about the regolith!!

Ashley Oki

Is clay dirt?? Or is it something that occurs in dirt?

Harper

Growing up my family would joke and say “Rub some dirt in it” when I got minor cuts and scrapes from running around outside. Is this joking advice or should we actually be rubbing dirt on minor injuries? Maybe a “clean” dirt? (I have no idea what that would be, it just seems cool.)

Brandi Ring

How can you change the ph of your dirt if it is too acidic or too basic for your plans without harming the natural environment? And why do people eat/crave dirt?

Mariah McGregor

Is 'good dirt' (i.e. dirt suitable for growing crops/food in) difficult to locate and maintain? If it is hard to find and maintain, how much of that is the fault of humans?

Emily Krieger

dirt vs. soil---what's the difference? is there one?

Shannon Feltus

YASSSSS!!! As a avid PNW farmer, I have questions. Why do people put signs out saying "CLEAN DIRT" atop a pile of dirt they want folks to take away?

Ashley Oki

Where do we draw the line between ‘let the kids play in dirt to build their immune systems’ and ‘ew no that’s gross’?

Mia Manzer

What is the difference between dirt, soil, sand, mulch, etc???? Does it annoy you when people say “my clothes are so dirty” or something similar when they’re covered in something that’s NOT dirt?

Katie Updegraff

How much of dirt is just broken down poop

Patience Boudreaux

Finally I have a question! What’s the biggest difference between dirt and dust? I feel like they’re kinda the same think but also suspect I’m wrong…

NanoNaturalist

Why is digging around in the dirt (aka gardening I guess) a better mood lifter than anything else? Does sniffing dirt make us happy for a reason?

Lydia Lambe

What’s the difference between dirt and soil?

Amelia McCardle

(First time question asker!) So excited! Why does dirt smell so good?

Clara Pfundt

What is the difference between clay and dirt? Why are they so different but exist in a similar place? (My last name is pronounced like “funt”)

BoneNerd106

Also interested as an archaeologist!

Alicen Meysing

Why does dirt smell so good when it’s raining?

Emily Krieger

there's a word, petrichor, for this smell :)

Nico Price

Where the heck does potting soil come from? Is there components of dirt that are finite?

Charles Berman

re: dirt consumption - any truth to that helping bebbehs/toddlers develop healthy immune systems? -signed, a relatively healthy grown up who sampled a lot of dirt as a toddler (Suzi)

Ashley Oki

What’s the difference between soil, gravel, sand, dust, and dirt?

Marisa Holzman

How many types of dirt is there? How different is dirt from one state to another state and expanding that to country and continent? Is the term “rub some dirt in it” helpful at one time? Is there healthy dirt? Do we create “dirt”? Is sand part of dirt or is sand completely separate?

Lindsay Deal

Why does dirt have a specific smell? Can you tell things about the dirt just from the smell of it?

Mary Kay VanDeVelde

My house is all clay dirt. What can I add to my garden beds. Besides worm poop? I keep them in the basement but it is slow going.

Neeko Scraps

I hear we have a handful of decades left of topsoil left in the US with current farming practices, how screwed are we?

Tiny Things by Bowen

Official first question: is it true that messing around in a garden after heavy rain impacts the nutrient content of the soil? Sending some dirt covered hugs to you, Alie! <3

Shannon Feltus

Also, what is your best recommendation to ammend water-logged clay soil for gardening?

Karen

I've got a question for Dr Jennings! What's your stance on biosolids (and programs like Tagro and Loop in the Seattle area)? I find the possibilities very exciting, but many of my fellow gardeners seem terrified of using it!!

Ashley Oki

How do you feel about the tradition for baseball players/fans to save dirt from fields of specific games?

Melanie Lee

How can we rehabilitate the microbiome in soils that have been stripped of their native consortium?

Tam Tran

Why do Munsell soil color book cost so much $$$?

Jamie MacNeal

Adding on to the dirt vs. soil crowd…top soil! What is it? Why do I need it for grass, but not for flower beds? Is it all a marketing gimmick?

Dennis Winders

How important is no-till gardening, and do you have any tips on getting started? Also, do you have any good recipes for soil that you'd recommend for organic gardening?

Katie Payne

Is it true that "god made dirt and dirt don't hurt?"

Felix Lasselle

How much of dirt is influenced by what grows in it versus the geology of the area? Or is that the same thing?

Harper

It doesn’t smell very much in some places, maybe because of humidity? The smell of a summer thunderstorm in the desert makes me want to go roll around in the dirt/mud.

Lydia Lambe

I’m sure we all know the saying, “God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt.” Can dirt actually hurt us?

Leanna Shuster

Is there a difference between dirt and soil?

William Carle

Why does dry soil has vastly different properties than when it stays moist? After a drought, even if watering dirt, it will still become muddier than the squeechy nutritious rich soil it once was before.

Felix Lasselle

Also are there certain regions that have more nutrients/microbes than others and why? In other words where is the dirtiest dirt?

Hannah Nuest

What proportion of dirt is made of organic matter vs minerals? How does this ratio vary geographically?

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

I heard somewhere there's more potentially harmful bacteria on door handles and our phones, than it is in the dirt. Soo... Should we be worried about kids playing in the dirt or not?

Lydia Lambe

Are there places that has better dirt than others?

Ashley Oki

Animals are known to roll in mud for camouflage and as a natural insect repellant. Why does mud repel insects?

Leopoldo Zampiccoli

Yes, one of my favourite topics! As a part-archaeologist, I have sometimes spent extended periods of time surrounded by previously-buried dirt. What hidden dangers/benefits does this have? Is there much of a difference depending on what kind of soil/sand/mud I breathe or how low below the surface it was hidden?

Daniel Ross

What is the composition of dirt? Is it just full of dead plant and animal remains? What is it?

Kelsey Story

Is all dirt pretty similar? Or is dirt wildly different place to place? Can you tell what dirt comes from where based solely (soil-y) on samples? Also ditto on the question from NanoNaturalist- is there something IN the dirt making us happy?

Ashley Oki

Most importantly: how can I get my dog to stop rolling and digging in dirt IMMEDIATELY after she takes a bath??

Hannah Nuest

In your opinion what is the most important or first step toward restoring a depleted soil?

Daniel Ross

At my elementary school we had a dirt eating club so… What happens if you eat dirt?

BoneNerd106

Soil contamination: we know there are some nasty human-caused contaminated soils out there (lead, asbestos, other things too?!?!), what about naturally contaminated (and potentially dangerous for frequent soil sifters - like this archaeologist)? Should inhalation (silica and other things in dry agitated soils?!?!) and consumption (because let’s face it, it gets everywhere) something that people who spend A LOT of time in various soils should be monitoring? Asking for all my shovel bum friends.

Buhbrie

Best way to collect soil samples to display the different layers? I live in St Louis and want to collect some Menfro for my rock/mineral collection. Also, what role does soil exposure play in our immunity/gut micro biome? Oh and what soil do my succulents actually want because they seem to hate everything.

Anne-Marie Lindsey

Is it true that a dog can track in dirt-living parasites into your house?

Rebecca Ricks

Let's talk about carbon sequestration in soil. Also agricultural erosion of topsoils. Because we have so little native topsoil left and it makes me sad that I have to buy dirt in plastic bags......

ben_and_his_beard

How does dirt perform in space, and what are some of the challenges involved with large-scale terraforming as it applies to creating a usable layer of soil for growth? How does science fiction get it right or wrong (like the potato growing in The Martian)?

Amanda Ramirez

Does the soil quality of a particular location determine what flora and fauna can establish/sustain communities in the area? And can degradation of soil quality make it easier for invasive species to establish and/or edge out native species?

Deli Dames

How long does it take potted dirt/soil lose its nutrients?

Rhona Taylor

I live in Scotland so it smells wonderful after it rains, I wonder what the best smelling place in the world is! Ah yes, petrichor. Back when I was an edgy teenager on Tumblr it was in my bio that it was my favourite word 😂 but it truly is one of my favourite smells too!

Tara McNee

Can you explain how we get antibiotics from soil?

Aoife Holmes

Me and my siblings all grew up mucking about probably eating dirt and my Mam always says that we have a better immune system for it is this flim flam?

Jimi Dempster

Should I try changing the soil type of my garden (clay) or should I promote a healthy natural soil for the local area? is my soil type even a natural one being old mining land?! And finally should I introduce critters to my garden to improve the productivity of my dirt and if so which?

Rhona Taylor

Sorry another question. Where in the world have you smelled the best smelling dirt?

Rebecca Ricks

Omg. This. Even just one card! 💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲🤑

Bees knees

Biggest microbiotic superorganism? Does the giant fungus in Oregon count?

Jason Zatkovich

What is the dirtiest dirt there is on dirt?

Lidiya B

First time question - from a fellow Lidiya (spelled weirdly though): I grew up in Ukraine and they always told us at school that we had some of the world's best black soil - is there really such thing as the best type of soil? Or does it depend what we want to grow in it? Also would love to hear your favourite stories/myths about soil from the Indigenous nations you worked with (if it is appropriate to share them).

Empty Toaster

First time question asker: Why is dirt so sparkly under the sunlight?

Zathrynn

Have you ever accidentally found something (burrowing animal, buried object) that surprised you?

sasstrocyte

FTQA: Is there anything to a mud bath/mud mask? And by that I mean can we absorb anything from dirt through our skin (aside from...you know...hookworms...)?

Dorothy Hoover

Do disease causing bacteria in soil live in any type of soil or only attracted to soil with specific properties?

Marjie C-O

What's up with pica as it pertains to eating dirt/humus? In Hulu's "The Great," Catherine the Great has a pregnancy-induced penchant for pica. Is that a thing? Or is dirt-eating brought on by iron-deficiency? Other? How do people not get sick from consuming the multitudes of microorganisms present in dirt? By frequent dewormings? Ew!

BoneNerd106

Another question, a friend was diagnosed with fluorosis after some nasty symptoms when she was living in an area with naturally fluoride rich soils and eating a lot of locally grown veggies. Is this a larger problem in parts of the world? Does produce really absorb these and other specific dangerous (as well as very good-for-you) chemicals and nutrients in soil in a way that then ends up in your body? What are some other good/bad ones to be aware of?

Ingrid Zaragoza

First time asker - can we really make a difference to our planet via carbon sequestration and changing standard farming practices?

Julia McDonald

What are those little piles of dirt on top of the earth every morning? Worm poop? Weird stuff

Brian hiatt

What is dirt by %. Can you measure worm poop in dirt? If so what % is it on average?

Leopoldo Zampiccoli

As an only partially related question. I've noticed that I'm staying in different areas of the world there are very different feelings about what amount, what kind of dirt (sand, dust, salt, water, mud, dog hair) is acceptable or not in a house, and in what rooms there's more or less attention. Is there any scientific theory of cross-regional domestic dirt formation? any research on what dirt is safe and what not?

Alex Parrish

How can unprotected or over farmed soil lead to environmental tragedies? Such as the Dust Bowl.

sarah

What's the white stuff that's sometimes in my garden? Best ways to enrich dirt for growing without resorting to packets of stuff?

Jesse Hurlburt

How old is dirt? What makes dirt dirt? How many different kinds of dirt are there? I heard that a majority of dirt on earth is worm poop. Is that true

My Ballard

I used to live in Kenya and the dirt there is known as "black cotton." When it gets wet, it swells to about 10 times its normal size, making it absolutely impossible to drive/walk/move in. Why does this happen?! I once became stuck when I was driving home on our dirt road and in the process of trying to free the mud from my tires was armpit-deep in the tire well pulling what felt like chunks of cement out of my car. It's the gnarliest dirt I've ever seen.

Laurel Sindewald

How does biochar work? Is it recommended for all gardens? Also, how can we improve our soil's microbiome?

samantha tovey

AAAHHH I LOVE DIRT! Learning about the soil in my garden is 100% my favorite way to connect with science in my regular life!! My question: what makes spa-mud different than regular mud? Do they actually have something special goin’ on or should we be saving 100 bucks and rolling around outside? Also, unrelated, how worried should we be about topsoil disappearing?

Plants and Prose

What soil-enrichment practices can reduce commercial agricultur's reliance on petroleum-based fertilizers?

Joseph Wooten

How so you resaturate super dry soil? Is it even possible

Alexandre Catulle

Horses and pigs clean themselves with dirt, should we be doing the same? 🧐

Allison D.

How does lightning enrich soil? Can it “repair” over-farmed land? Also, would places with more lightning, like Florida, have naturally higher quality farming soil?

Laci Simon

First time question asker, here! What makes dirt? Like, is it just decomposed materials and worm poop? What makes up different types of dirt? Because the soil I used in my garden is completely different from the dirt in the front of my building by the curb. How and why are they different?

Melanie Lee

How can we dial in soil health to increase our global crop yields? How does grazing cattle on land affect soil health and composition?

Jules Kingsland

Why do my dogs role in dirt and then smel like poop 💩

Maria Kumro

Is it wrong to use some old soil mixed with new soil when replanting? *I am not a FTQA but question comes from my friend Victoria who is and just started listening last week

Silvia Triverio

Is it dirt just a human construct or is there a scientific definition? Is there a level of dirt that is actually beneficial for us in our home? ( I think of the theories that babies needs pathogens to develop their immune system, but what about adults?)

Kaitlyn Oaks

WHY DO I NEED POTTING SOIL!?

ReigningEmily

Why do I feel better emotionally and mentally calmer when I stand in dirt with my bare feet?

Jackie Wydra

Safe microbes vs. microbes that can make you sick: I hear all the time that your immune system will be stronger if you get your hands dirty as a kid and as an adult (which is good because I work at a garden center) but it also kind of freaks me out that I could potentially contract things like tetanus from soil (even though I'm vaccinated). Are different types of soil better or worse to play in? (Last name pronounced why-druh).

Mie [me-ay]

how does dirt differ from region to region (if at all)?

Alesa Weiss

What's the phrase "rub some dirt in it" all about? Before the panini, I was a very "rub some dirt in it" kind of mom... as long as we are all up to date on our TDAPP shots. But now I'm a little more hesitant, like with everything. When is dirt actually dangerous to humans?

Clara Pfundt

Oh yeah and I’m a first time question asker :))

Sikwani Dana

Should I rub some dirt in it? 😅 asking for a friend

Eli Johnathan

How much does soil vary from place to place? Like, if the soil from my garden was compared to the soil from the garden of my friend who lives the at the other end of the UK, would there be much difference? Or is it more of a country vs country/continent vs continent deal? Also, what's the difference between peat soil and peat-free soil? My mum's always talking about wanting peat-free only potting soil, but I've no idea what the difference is! Thanks, you rock!

Kelsea Barrera

How do I get/make good dirt for my garden/ yard? There seems to be no top soil in my yard just clay and dust..

Paige Menking

FTQA: Why does it feel so good to get my hands in the dirt?! Forget gardening gloves, I get into it raw. It is the best medicine.

Claire McManus

I have heard that “soil has structure” Please help me envision this structure- is it geometric, is the structure small or large? Do organisms keep the structure together?

Will

How much truth is there in the trick you sometimes see in crime shows where the detectives find a speck of dirt that came off the suspect’s shoes and use that to track their exact whereabouts? How plausible is this?

Jennasis

Why is it brown? Does dirt come in different colors?

Gerald Thompson

How does dirt and minerals become fossils? I explain it to kids all the time but don't think I actually understand how that crazy process actually works.

Jackie Wydra

Also, I was diagnosed with SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) last year and I've heard that soil based probiotics are better for people with this condition because they're gentler and less prolific in the GI tract, making them less of a risk of overtaking the GI tract and upsetting the delicate microbiome balance in SIBO patients. (I'm working with my doctor on this and not looking for medical advice- simply wondering if you've heard of the soil based probiotics and what you know about them, if anything).

Lucien Vedego

Aaaah hello Dr. Lydia! I also study dirt, but I am very much a beginner and I cannot wrap my head around how to read that dang clay, silt, sand triangle. Any advice? Love, a neurodivergent dirt nerd.

Kelly Pavelich

Do worms poop dirt? What’s the story there

Dona Blankenship

Yes! To piggy back off this- does eating dirt help kids with immune systems?

Steven Hansen

What is the best way to identify good dirt... for growing plants (because isn't all dirt great)?

Dave Miller, PhD

back in yee olden days was eating dirt while pregnant really a thing (as seen on the last season of “the great”)?

Alena Litin

Getting philosophical up here. I once read that anytime you clean something you are just making something else dirty and I find myself thinking about this like a weird amount. Is everything around us just in varying states of dirtiness? What is the ologist’s opinion?

Jessica Janssen

Why is the smell so comforting sometimes...like after it rains.

Meghan Matthews-Adair

First timer here! Why does it hurt your fingers so much if you dig in the dirt without gloves? Why does it hurt after a while even *with* gloves?? Why does it smell so ding dang good, especially after a good rain? If a person died and fell into dirt, how many earthworms could they feed? What’s the best dirt for planting? Is there *bad* dirt for planting? Why does soil cost so much at the garden store? Is there technically dirt on or under the ocean floor? Why does my dog like to roll in the dirt so much? What’s the coolest thing the Ologist has found in the dirt? The grossest?? Why is red clay dirt something people crave when they have pika (sp?)? Does it actually taste good?? What are some ceremonial uses for dirt and soil? Why is dirt such a weird word? (I had NO IDEA I had so many dirt questions!)

Val McKelvey

Why does gardening and getting the right dirt seem so complicated? How important is it to have the right pH and soil components?

Sydonie S.

What are the best way to adjust the pH of dirt? What naturally impacts dirt pH?

Steven Hansen

Dirt as we know it is a solid but can melt into magma (a liquid). If you were to add enough energy (heat) could dirt become a gas?

Natalie Gertz -Young

I'm a conservation educator so talking to folks tall and small about soil is my jam. What is your favorite fun soil fact?

James Jakes

When you wash your hands and it looks like they're still dirty, is that "clean dirt?"

moss

i recently learned that my municipality has laws around supposedly appropriate lawn length, having soil/dirt "covered" with grass or plants, and on "weed control". i've heard this isn't good for biodiversity or water use but i'd love to learn more abt this how does lawn grass impact biodiversity? does "weed control" harm the soil and animals? any alternatives to the grass lawn that you support?

Jacob Bowman

how bad are lawns for the soil that live in our yards? the organisms that live there don’t seem to be getting a very diverse diet.

Meghan McLean

What exactly is the smell of petrichor?

Rozelyn Hesby

What's happening to dirt when it becomes hydrophobic?

Specs Owl

Are we going to see a rise in allergies and auto-immune diseases, because of people growing up in hyper-sterile environments with fewer microbes to build resistance to, because of the reaction to covid? When I was wee, I used to think there should be an invention to test how dirty something is on a scale of 1-100, and wondered why that wasn't a thing already. I now realise that that would be difficult to measure, because "dirt" varies in specific meaning, but hypothetically, would it ever be possible? Also, my brother used to come up with the grossest insults, and one was "you're the dirt that comes out of belly buttons". What *is* the dirt that comes out of belly buttons?! Is it just dead skin, or is it composed of other stuff too?

Specs Owl

(On second thoughts, I've realised I don't know what is meant by "dirt" in the original post, is this about soil/earth, or dirt in the home, or is it both?)

Anika's Cat Arya

Any thoughts on why our relationship to dirt changes when we go from children to adults? Dirt seems like such a natural thing to interact with as an animal on this earth, yet we don't seem to much as we get older.

Charlotte Fjelkegård

Ceremonial uses for dirt and soil? That's an interesting question!

Martha Lowry

What is the best way to get "dirt" aka soil to sequester more carbon?

Sam Kiley

Whats the impact of pesticides and crop-related chemicals being used in agriculture on our dirt / soil - and if it's a negative, is it reversible?

Gary Staab

Dirt, How is it created, and what animals live in it?

Scott Hanley

Many examples of eating dirt can be found in media, from the historical fiction, The Great, to the show The Mind of The Chef, where one restaurant in Spain, blended earth they harvested into a flavor powder, to evoke childhood taste memories. How important is it for humans to consume dirt, or earth?

Kimisha Cassidy

What's going on with biological soil crust? Why does it form, and where/under what conditions?

Donald Hodges

What kind of dirt is best for toddlers and their microbiome development?

Anna Dhody

Came here to ask this as well...

Earl of Greymalkin

1) How deep does dirt actually go? How many strata are there? Do plants pull different nutrients from different layers? 2) How are different types of dirt classified? Is clay also dirt? 3) How do pollutants get filtered through dirt? 4) What does it mean in agriculture to grow too much in one patch of dirt that it has to lie fallow for a year? What is happening in the nutrients? How do you revitalize dirt sustainably/responsibly? 5) How much alive biomass vs dead biomass vs not biomass is in soil? 6) What kinds of bioprospecting are people doing in dirt? 7) Is there dirt under the ocean? Does sand count as dirt? 8) How do seasonal changes affect what's going on in dirt? 9) Can you tell us about what the Collaboratory for Indigenous Data Governance is doing?

Mads

What even is dirt? Is it intrinsic from fungi? Are they just (the coolest) neighbours in the world?

Anna Dhody

Lots of questions seem to track back to the over arching question about soil's microbiome. What is it? How is it like our own microbiome? How can we maintain and benefit from soil microbiome? And can we get our next antibiotic medication from a soil?

Alex Minor

I can’t tell you how many times I heard, “God made dirt, so dirt don’t hurt.” Does it though? What does I getting dirt do to you?

Kendall Hargis

I've heard dirt may be a good source for storing carbon and that in the soil there is more carbon than in our atmosphere is that true?

Sydney Brahmavar

I’m wondering about the impacts of wild fires on soil and then the impacts on our water from the soil containments.

Kendall Hargis

If I put food products like orange peels, coffee grinds, apple cores in my garden does it really turn to dirt?

Kendall Hargis

Can ashes from a campfire turn to dirt?

Kendall Hargis

I always feel weird buying garden soil and just call it dirt in a bag. How do they make or get this good dirt?

Rachel Adams

Where did the saying "Rub some dirt in it." come from? And why did parents used to think "a little dirt never killed anyone" when letting us eat food that fell on the ground while playing in the yard.

Lee O'Reilly

What is actually in my garden? What is clay and can anything grow in it? Is all dirt-dirt actually wormpoop?

Aleksandra Romanowicz

Why does it smell so good to our human noses? What does it smell of?

Mercedes Maitland (Lead editor, Ologies)

Are there any concerns with introducing store-bought (non-local) soils into people's yards/gardens? Is it like moving firewood or moving your boat between lakes without a good rinse?

Mercedes Maitland (Lead editor, Ologies)

Are there any known ways to remediate salted soils? Asking for my lawn which has been damaged by de-icing salts, but also for all the literal downstream effects of de-icing salts on roads

Tristan Debrunner

In Colorado we’ve had trouble with mudslides and flooding in areas after forest fires, which I assume is due to changes in the dirt. What can be done to help the dirt (soil?) recover after a high intensity fire?

Super_Sara

How “dirty” is dirt? I mean, dirt is basically broken down plants, rock, and other decomposed things, but is this “dirty” (ie harmful to our health)? Door handles are dirty (germy, etc). Bathroom floors are dirty (fecal matter and whatnot). When did the term “dirty” start being used to describe situations not related to dirt at all?

Lizzy Carr

Is it true you eat a pound of dirt over your lifetime? If it is I’m guessing it doesn’t hurt you, but what happens to it in your digestive system?

Mercedes Maitland (Lead editor, Ologies)

What's up with dirt supposedly having antidepressant qualities? is it just a placebo effect that the smell and feel of dirt gives me joy? Is it just because I'm a nostalgic archaeology nerd?

Alphabet

Let's talk smells! Different types of dirt have unique smells. Why is that? What can I tell about my dirt by giving it a good sniff?

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

Tell me about dirt moving around the world through wind and water. Is there a sort of global dirt exchange? Do microbes etc spread that way?

Annie Ramsbotham

FTQA :) Is dirt/soil exclusive to earth? Does Moon dust or the stuff on Mars count as dirt?

Kaitlyn June

How does dirt differ from sand? Where is the line?? I grew up in Hawai'i and have always been told that the soil there is very fertile due to the volcanoes- how does that work?

Elaina Franklin

What are the most extreme pH levels you've ever seen in dirt/soil samples?

Lizzy Martinez

My acupuncturist would always tell me to walk barefoot on Mother Earth's soil (grass, dirt, sand, etc). What is it about our connection to dirt and its health benefits?

Brooke Wolfson

What role did dirt play in the evolution of humans? How does dirt on other planets compare to dirt on planet Earth?

Nathan-Andrew

I read that if farmers bury biochar in the soil, it would help remove carbon from the atmosphere, but how would that actually work? What is the mechanism?

Ray Holloman

What makes dirt have all of its various colors? Like how Alabama has that red dirt that stains everything and other places are a rich brown.

Leanna Shuster

Does dirt have a geographic "fingerprint", like if an unlabeled soil sample were given to a soil scientist, could they determine from where on the Earth the sample came? And if yes, how precise can the location be identified?

The Spider Incident

Fisrt-time question asker here, so I almost don't want to "waste" my first on this but...why does it smell so good? Like, there's just something nice and comforting about the smell of good dirt.

Emmaline Edie

I have a fungus that causes black or brown blotches on a lot of my garden plants. What are the best things i can do to improve the issue without harming my good fungi, creepy crawlys, and pollinators?

Ally Ray

Desertification?? How fucked are we???

ariel.vanzandt

What happens to soil when the rain hits it to make it smell so damn good?

Apollonia Piña

First time question asker long time lurker, what makes the smell of petrichor PETRICHOR? what is it? it's also one of my favorite words ever.

ariel.vanzandt

Is soil just dead stuff and worm poop?

Abigail Worley

First time question asker. Why do my palms get super dry after I’ve been gardening? Is it from the soil? Sometimes it’s almost like the pads of my fingers lose a layer of skin.

Nick Mikash

Is soil the unexplored frontier that no one talks about? And is dirt just that filthy stuff on your unwashed clothes while soil is a wonderful melange that mother nature created over the ages?

ariel.vanzandt

Sand - dirt - clay, how do they differ?

Meaghan C. McKinney

first-time question asker- should we be eating dirt? does that help our gut microbiome, or help build immunity? Should I tell my second graders to eat dirt?

Julia Palmer

Ahhhh yes I have also always wondered the same thing!

Julia Palmer

Sooo quality soil takes like 500 years to make naturally... do you know if there is any research going on to speed up this process?

Average_pi

What contributes to the ph of soil? WORMS: ARE THEY GOOD OR BAD?!?!?! explain please. What is the difference between soil and dirt?

Ira Gray

Soil restoration advice! How fucked are we in terms of depleting farmable soil? Thoughts on tilling?

Ira Gray

Ive heard earthworms are not native to the US and are fully donking up the soil in forests, is this true? How so?

Ira Gray

Is there a way to adjust non organic components of soil, say I have clay and I want that good good loam, can I change it naturally or just find land with the right dirt

Lauren Cooper

Why are so many antibiotics found in soil microbes?

Nicole Austin

How accurate are those home soil test kits they sell in hardware stores? Are those actually useful to tell if you have healthy soil in your lawn? How do you feel about all the various lawn “health” interventions that are recommended, like fertilizers and weed killers? Are they pretty benign, or are we all collectively poisoning our lawns and area groundwater?

Anuja Joshi

First time question asker here! What causes the almost sweet smell of dirt when it rains? And does the smell differ in different regions? What is the difference between dirt and soil? And do pesticides affect the quality of the dirt/ soil that the plants are grown in?

Nicole Austin

What exactly does it mean when soil is described as “depleted”? Is that a cat hall term for a lot of different soil problems? Which things are missing, where did they go, and what happens?

Sarah king

This is pretty gruesome.. but what actually happens when you get buried alive? Do your lungs fill with dirt?

Aurel Chaoul Pelleg

Can one personalise dirt by feeding it one's hair, nails, excrements etc?

Aoife Holmes

Worm poop! Tell me everything! Please 😇😅

Sarah Albrecht

Tell us about soil-related fungal illnesses! Have you heard the song “I Like Dirt” by The Thunderlords? If not, I recommend doing so.

Amy Zucker Morgenstern

I live in a city and the soil probably has a lot of lead and other Bad Stuff in it, so we're not sure if we should grow vegetables in it. Do toxic substances get into the food? If so, is there any way to restore the soil? First time questioner. I feel like a need a cute handle. How about Irreverend Amy?

Gordon Haas

I live in Medford, Oregon (Modoc, Shasta and Takelma lands). A lot of new houses here are being built on what has been agricultural land in the past. What have other places done to protect and preserve productive lands and build soil health to feed future generations?

Lindsay Mixer

(From my bestie Kelsey, first time question asker for her): Why aren’t neighborhood composting programs more common/nationwide? Any tips or ideas for how we could do that on both local and national levels? She also asks, “what is up with the relationship between soil and fungus? Is there a way to use fungus to support reforestation efforts and farming?”

Sonjabird

Do I really need to test the soil in my garden/yard? I have always been lazy and never followed through with this recommendation. Maybe that's why I have a black thumb :/

Kelly King

Hey there, beginner potter here! I'm wondering if clay is technically dirt or something else? I know that commercial clay has additives, but what about clay right out of the ground? Any fun facts?

Dayna Quick

From a fellow soil nerd, what are some fun ways you teach soil concepts to non-soil nerds? Also - recommended books for the layperson? I loved "DIRT: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth" by William Bryant Logan. (Hi Alie! I am a First time questioner. You can call me "Dr. Quick")

Rene Melara

What's the deal with the bacteria in dirt that makes us feel happy? What are another mental health implications of dirt?

Jamie Quinn

First time question-asker here and WOW am I excited! I discovered that my soul is actually filled with soil when I took my first soils class in Fall 2021 semester and declared a minor after that one class. Why is soil genesis so dang fascinating? Seriously, I cannot get enough of it. And why does the organic layer of soil still count as soil even though it's not mineral soil? Wow thank you. I am so excited.

Anne

How is dirt used to discover new antibiotics?

Kyla C (KAI-luh, rhymes with Myra or Lyla)

Okay, I have a few questions! - What happens to dirt (and its microorganisms) when it is paved over? - What are the best approaches at the moment for soil remediation and dealing with contamination, both on a large scale and individual civilian level? I garden with raised beds but the idea of slowly poisoning myself with lead-laden carrots has crossed my mind... once or twice.

Melanie Mac Caskie

First time question from my husband Eric Toole who was SO STOKED to hear this topic and immediately asked: Is it true that we’re running out of topsoil?What are the numbers on how bad it is? What do we do to make it better? Thank you Alie, we love Ologies!!!

Wendy Rickwalt

I don’t keep my house as clean as my family members do with their own. I use wood heat, live in the country, and have a dog who tracks in a lot of mud. Yet, I catch fewer contagious illnesses than most of my family members do. Correlation?

Antonia Clark

What happens to dirt/soil as plants grow? Do the roots absorb the soil? Does the soil turn into roots? I always wonder where it went when I report my plant babes

Whitney T.

Omg soil! In college one of my favorite courses I took was Intro to Soil Science. My professor was a rock star (literally, kind of; he played bass in a local band) and it was impossible not to catch his enthusiasm for all things dirt. My undergraduate thesis focused on the difference in soil's ability to retain moisture based on whether it was historically tilled or non-tilled. I'd love to hear her insights to tilling practices on soil health (and about farming practices in general on keeping our farms thriving and healthy).

Whitney T.

Can I ask another question? Should I feel guilty for murdering all of the moles in my backyard (in regards to soil health)?

Ashley Moore

Regarding pharmaceutical residue in soil.... Many cities turn biosolids from treated wastewater mixed with ground yard waste into compost after undergoing hot composting 30 days at a sustained temperature of 137° F ... People are afraid that this product is full of residual pharmaceutical compounds that will harm their health. What compounds would be tough enough to endure, what would their life be in the soil, and what is their ultimate fate? Are these fears real? Is there relevant research on this? Thank you!! Really really would love to know

Anastasia Doherty

Is it true that working in the dirt is a form of anti depressant?

Natalie Seeger

As a chemist, the above question also makes me curious about heavy metals? How much end up in biosolids compost and can plants even absorb As, Sn, Pb, etc...? Also: people always say that seeing worms in your garden soil means that it is healthy? This seems like a big blanket statement- are there specific worms that are more helpful than others? Better bugs to look for than worms? Should I just rely on a soil test and stop counting worms?

Orrin Stanforth

Why is it so bad to leave dirt exposed to the sun? Is it true that walking barefoot is good for me? Grounding and all that? If it is, is it balanced out by hookworms? Also, my son wants to know,"Why is dirt called dirt?"

Jessica Morgan

Hello from another soil scientist! I'm in BC Canada and soil scientists here have been going through policy changes for the last MANY years. Do you find policy changes challenging, or an opportunity for growth? I am very hopeful that we can make space in legislation to blend traditional and institutional knowledge to understand more about soil. (the policies are regarding right to practice and right to title for natural resource professionals) Also - favourite soil bug?

Jess Loeffler

Why are soil scientists the best? I was dreading taking a soil science class but my prof was so enthusiastic that he made the whole class fall in love with it. Reading some of the comments, I see that's the case for others as well!

Jess Loeffler

Blue dirt! Green dirt! Can you ask about conditions that make certain soils turn colors? Specifically blue and green.

Joe Porfido

Is dirt mostly poop? What percentage would you say?

Ryanne Flynn Rossi

Someone recently told me that the soil in rainforest regions are typically not at all nutrient dense or otherwise terribly good for farming/agriculture because there is such a competition for nutrients in the dense, biodiverse rainforest. Is this true or is it fake news? If true, then why on earth would there be deforestation for agricultural purposes??

catherine saxbe

What is the deal with diatomaceous earth?

Marie Dohoney

Tell me about San Joaquin Valley fever.

Ally T.

Can I add red dirt to that question? It’s a big deal in Hawai’i, and it stains everything it touches. Great for a rust-colored dye, deadly for white T-shirts. How did it get so red? (P.S. This is my 3rd time leaving a question but if it’s read aloud it’ll be my first!! I get excited and nervous every time)

Emmalee Jones

This question may be a little out of our jurisdiction but I was just wondering if other planets have dirt. I was also wondering whether dirt transplants are a thing, like how sand transplants on some beaches are a thing.

Jodi Pierce

Is it true that turning the soil releases chemicals that act like anti-depressants? How depleted are the soils of corporate farms? Are we getting any micronutrients from mass-produced grown food? With massive corporate growing operations is there an estimate of how much topsoil we lose per year? Is it more than in the smaller non-organic farms or organic farms?

Brandon Meredith

And Georgia clay: it’s orangish but they call it “red”

Brandon Meredith

Darwin seemed to claim that things in your backyard like boulders tend to “sink” into the soil because earthworms churn the ground so much. Was this right? It doesn’t really make sense to me.

Brandon Meredith

Oh, and talk about all the bacteria and funguses in soil! What’s goin on there

Grace

One time I saw a baby pick up a nice big handful of dirt & playground bark and stick it right in their mouth (their caregiving swooped in to extract it almost instantly). How bad is it if dirt ends up in our mouths? Is it even bad? (First time question asker, long time listener)

GreenBriar

I was once told that if you took all the good black topsoil in the world, and laid it out evenly, it would be one grain, and then like a mile away, another grain. Is that true? And is most of that black topsoil in the world in Ontario?

Gazingattrees

I typically think of rotifers as aquatic organisms but I’ve heard they also live in the soil. Is that true? What is their role in the soil?

Dionne Needham

Soil Carbon. Does the PH effect soil carbon? Had a specific question from a farmer about whether there would be less soil carbon under a pinus radiata plantation as opposed to a native forest (specifically referring to a New Zealand native forest but could be any native forest with mixed tree species and different periods of growth). The soil carbon debate in New Zealand agriculture is one that is quite big for farmers and growers so anything around what effects soil carbon both adds to and releases would be excellent. :-)

whermpassatelli

First time question asker: What are my chances of getting botulism by accidentally eating soil?

Izalina Bittencourt

I’ve heard soil referred to as a “carbon sink”, but how exactly does that work? Does it involve microbes?

Plantaholics Podcast

First time asker, long time listener (Love you Alie!) I'm obsessed with soil microbiome (I'm a landscape designer and Permacultural enthusiast) ... any insights into the instant calming sensation from putting feet/hands into the soil? I tell everyone I know to do it!

SalmonLikeTheFish

Is there anything else besides composting that we can do to rebuild our rapidly depleting top soil nutrients? And how long could it take to regain a healthy level? Any predictions for when silviculture/agroforestry could become the norm to aid in soil retention?? It seems like a no-brainer! (Sorry for the many questions 😅)

Jess Swann

I'm wondering about the impact of dead animals on dirt - not worms but rats or coyotes or deer, etc. How do those affect the immediately surrounding soil? Is there something equivalent to whale fall but with soil?

Olivia Brown

First time question asker! I want to know about peat! How do bog bodies happen? What about bog iron? Are there any interesting parallels between peat and permafrost given that they are both known as carbon sinks suffering from human interference? Thanks! :)

Jennavieve Jawor

What is the best way to improve our garden's soil? I ask because we want better veggies and fruits from our garden. Will better soil really make a difference with that? We have chickens and our friend suggested "chicken poo tea"... A concoction of chicken poo and water in a clear bottle gently drizzled on our soil. Not to be ingested... Should probably specify you don't drink the chicken poo tea.

alex

Is eating dirt more helpful or harmful? My boyfriend also wants to know why we get parasitic worms in our ooo when we eat it?

Meg Getzinger

First time question asker! Why does dirt smell like dirt and why does it smell so good????

alex

Poo* :0

Celeste Rousseau

Is there any truth to suggest that I have allergies now because I didn't eat enough dirt?

Celeste Rousseau

Is fertilizer that important to add to a garden? It just seems like I've heard so much about fertilizers leaching into water sources, etc that it makes me nervous

Isabelle Brooks

What happens if you eat a handful of dirt — best and worse case scenarios

Megan L

What’s so good about silty loam? Why is everyone obsessed with it?

Bailey Griffin

Why are bodies so well preserved in bogs? I’m not a murderer, but if I was, I’ve heard to steer clear of dumping in those guys.

Julie Dupre

I’m super interested in cover crops and no tilling farming/gardening. What are some of the things I can do in my own yard and garden to reduce releasing carbon and build up nitrogen in the soil. North Florida resident here.

Kylie Tschida

First time question asker, what and why is Clay. I ask this because my favorite campground from my childhood (and to this day) in Minnesota has its swimming beach near a bass pond (the entire beach is actually a mossy clovery bog) and the lake bottom over there... is VERY clay heavy. It feels sticky kind of yet firm. So why is clay here, why couldn't mother nature give me sand instead? What kinds of locations have a LOT of clay? Or is it EVERYWHERE

Kelly Shaver

What percentage of the soil in my backyard is dead animals and where is the line between Extremely Decomposed dead thing and dirt? Is that a bacteria thing?

Tammy Hansen Snell

OOOOOOOO I'm so excited about this upcoming episode!! I've been composting for a few years now, and I use the type of compost bin that is like a horizontal barrel on an axle, meaning I can dump in my stuff and spin the barrel rather than have to figure out how to stir my compost pile. I am FASCINATED by how little critters show up in this barrel, and how the wide variety of stuff I put in it - everything from old hummus to houseplant trimmings to compostable doggie doo bags - turns into a type of dirt! Composting seems to me to be an exercise in chemistry, witnessing a natural process that turns organic matter into something that's a basic ingredient for life on the planet. I'd love to hear what soul nerd Dr. Lydia Jennings thinks about composting, and what recommendations she might have for us amateurs!

Christina Johnson

What is the difference between topsoil and regular dirt? Are all worms helpful or are there some kind of worms that are helpful to dirt and gardening and others harmful? Is there a way to figure out the age of dirt? Is there just an endless accumulation of dirt or does it decompose itself?

Christina Johnson

What is the best way to start a composting? What do you need to do to be an effective composter and water the real benefits of composting?.. I've always wanted to start a compost!

Christina Johnson

How do pesticides affect the composition of dirt? Hugs and love to you & your family!!!! And thank you for the wildly entertaining science podcasts that you create You are literally making the world a smarter, more accepting, curious, and kinder place to live. (My husband and I listen to all of your podcasts and tell everyone about you/ your episodes.

Cassidy Blair

I had an Environmental Studies professor in college who always said that it was outright OFFENSIVE to call soil, dirt. Does this expert agree? Is there really a difference or is she just a soil snob??

Kristin Little

Why does putting my hands in soil make me feel oh so good? Endorphins? Connectivity? Minerals? Please tell this horticulturist why I’m obsessed with being dirty!!!

wendy rider

I can't wait for the puns on this episode! First time question and I'm obsessed with how bravery shows up in our work. Not that I don't love your final two questions, but, What's the bravest thing you have ever seen anyone do with dirt or say about dirt?

Matt Ceccato

How do earthworms benefit dirt?

Maya Roopnarine

OMG. SO excited for this one— I took a class about soil earlier this year and absolutely loved it… I would love to hear Dr. Jennings talk about those good, good serotonin-stimulating soil microbes (aka why sticking my hands in dirt feels so good for my soul!!!).

Brandi Muehlethaler

My husband Joe asks if any states in the U.S. have yet selected an official soil peds? Apparently, this was a movement he learned of 20 years ago from his soil sciences professors.

Sara Wells

How bad is it if I don't wash the dirt off my fresh vegetables? Asking for a... friend.

Luke LaFemina

How much of the dirt is alive? Bacteria? Mychorrizal fungi, etc?

Liv Bruce

Petrichor. Why does it smell so good? What bacteria do I need to thank? Does the smell vary slightly depending on the type of soil or microbiota present?

Mariah Walzer

Oh boy! First time question asker with a couple of questions because I do a lot of dirt-adjacent stuff as an archaeologist and gardener. 1) Trail spice (eating dirt that's gotten into your food while you're out in the field) - good, bad, neutral for you? I'd swear it boosts the immune system but that could easily be wishful thinking. 2) Related, I love to dig in soil with my bare hands and feel dirt between my toes, but I've also heard it's a good way to catch worms (not the good kind) and other diseases/parasites. How worried should I be? 3) This is the controversial one: Do sandy silt and silty sand exist? If so, how do you personally tell them apart?

Nicole Losurdo

What are thoughts on commercial potting soils like miracle grow?

Gabrielle Arkett

Eeee so excited! First time question asker. Can you please talk about tilling vs no tilling farming, and the pros/cons od each? Tilling helps with weeds and makes soil nice to plant in, but I have a suspicion that the more you till, the more you have to till. Why shouldn't we till fields and what can we do to protect soil structure?

Joel Anderson

A dog or a cat can eat something covered in dirt, can a person? Or do we prefer not to?

The Best Intentions

I started learning about dirt because of gardening during the pandemic + nerd + time on hand. I am baffled by soil chemistry. How the heck are plants and things altering the make up of the soil. Like...what...are they doing?? I hear the term "nitrogen fixing" a lot, but I don't understand the how of it.

The Best Intentions

Aside: I just read a thing about how they just grew plants in moon dirt! The seeds sprouted and grew a bit, but then got stunted because of lack of nutrients. But still! That's cool.

Ted Vician

Finally! An episode when Alie can talk as dirty as she likes.

Mar Gosselar

How far down have we found dirt?? Like, is there deep cave dirt, and how does it differ from surface dirt? ……….does the ocean have dirt????

TýrNjörðr

What happens to the soil when it dies? In terms that nothing will grow in it, and how do we prevent that?

Caitlyn Powell

Should I be concerned about the dirt in my backyard? Are herbicides/pesticides destroying the soil community? Should I be worried about air pollution getting into my soil?

DAZU

Hi Alie! I'm reading a book about eating dirt (called Eat Dirt lol) about reintroducing biota to our microbiome with the idea that us puny shumans have damaged our natural normal gut flora with antibiotics, chemicals and overly-sterilized lifestyles. Is there anything to this? Should we or should we not eat dirt? Thanks!

Lizzy's Sister

Why is my goofy dog eating all the dirt in the backyard? Less than a month ago we moved to a new house. Like our last home, it had been ag land before our neighborhood was built. She happily, sometimes manically, diggs holes in the grass and chomps on clumps of dirt. Why? Should we try to stop her? Should we plant small trees in the holes? What's the deal 🤔

Carissa Perry

Also asking for a… a friend. She really likes unwashed fresh out of the garden carrots and wants that to also be good for her somehow?

Carissa Perry

Let’s talk tilling! I live in farm country, USA and I’ve heard that “no till” farms are so much better for soil health and therefore the environment and I just need to know if I should start banging down the doors on all the farm houses around me and demand that they switch back to a no till lifestyle?? Thanks! And eeegads I’m excited for this. So many times I have considered going back to school for soil sciences and this one will probably send me over the cliff. Eek!!

Mykenzie King

I played softball growing up and it was a PAIN to get the clay out of my lighter uniforms. Why????

Nicole Kleinman

What’s your favorite dirt? Is there a “best” kind of dirt?

fullmetalknee

Are people actually poaching dirt (peat? others?) to sell it for potting mix filler and wrecking ecosystems? If so, what gives? And are there good alternatives or things to watch out for? Also, pleeeease talk why you can plant directly into sphagnum moss and living soil profiles. I love dirt. Love to you and your family Ward ❤️❤️❤️

Heidi Kühnemann

What is the difference between soil and dirt?

Amber Dickerson

My mom had a craving for clay dirt when she was pregnant with me. What minerals was she craving and couldn't she have gotten them from some vitamins?

Natalie Gomez

I've never asked a question before, but I've got a freaking soil science final coming up, don't let me down! JK but honestly who knew soil had such complicated chemical processes? Not me. What is THE most important mineral/element/ion found in soil? I just watched a video that we will run out of phosphorus fertilizer in 40-50 years. Does that mean we are doomed? I know there are solutions for not needing to rely on fertilizer for nitrogen, thanks to leguminous plants and their magical bacteria, but what would our solution be for this phosphorus shortage? Thanks Dad and my best to all your family Natalie Gomez

Teresa Gleason

I give my dog soil based probiotics. I didn’t know that was a thing until I found these. Do you think this could explain some animal’s compulsion to eat soil?

Karlie V

Are there proven neurological benefits to sticking hands in da dirt?

Karlie V

All the things about mycorrhizae please!!

Tory Hamilton

Tetanus and dirt?! We all think it’s rusty nails but it’s dirt right?

Marina Larson

Please mention the legendary James Cassidy, who taught me all about SOIL, and how awesome it is!!! Rock star turned OSU soil science professor!

Colleen Ryan

what is the relationship between soil micro biome health and the health of the gut micro biome?

Colleen Ryan

what are the main decomposing systems in the soil?

Colleen Ryan

general thoughts on humanure?

Kata Zarándy

I'm so excited!!! Is it true that over time you can turn an alkaline soil into neutral by giving it compost and manure repetitively? Dying to have hydrangeas here!

Kata Zarándy

Can you explain why no dig/no tilt is good for the environment? Why does disturbing the soil release CO2 into the atmosphere?

Anna Frazier

I still don't get how plants get stuff out of soil. also how do rocks just magically weather into dirt? my professor basically told me to just trust her on it and we moved on during the soil lecture (haven't had a question asked on the show yet)

Euan Munro

I'm not sure about the US, but in the UK there is a major problem with the organic content of soils. What's the solutions to this?

Kathleen Sachs

Are there some species that can degrade the quality of the soil? Or remove nutrients? Recently, I saw a news story about the jumping worm, which is an invasive species in the Midwest. Is it true that they can remove nutrients from the soil?

Kathleen Sachs

Gardening cloth. Why? The previous owners of my home put down gardening cloth in several areas of my yard. A friend, who studied ethnobotanist, once told me that it is bad because it does not allow nutrients to penetrate the soil. I swear that it has been responsible for the demise of two Holly bushes and one Japanese maple in my yard. Every time I see it, I rip it out. Am I wrong?

Kathleen Sachs

Recently, I read in the book, 1493, by Charles Mann that earthworms are invasive species that was brought over to the Americas by European colonists. Really??? He also claims that tree leaves used to pile up In American forests until they were burned in a wildfire, which occurred naturally or was a result of land management by Native Americans. So how did nutrients enter the soil prior to the arrival of Europeans?

Kathleen Sachs

Why does the smell of dirt make me so happy when I am gardening?

Kathleen Sachs

Are bogs really better at sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than any other habitat?

Argiope17

How much research has been done into the variety of dirt microorganisms in different types of environments? If left to it's own devices, how long does it take for soils to return to a "healthy" state after human disturbances (e.g. industrial agriculture)? What ecosystem/place has your favorite dirt?

Erin Gill

Is it good for kids immunity to get into dirt? Or this boomer bullshit? I think it's boomer bullshit...

Katrina Renee

does dirt really have antidepressant properties? ive heard that before but i don’t know if the science supports it.

Ed Woytowicz

We have a huge amount of clay right under the topsoil here. Is there anything I can do to help break that down?

Caelan Rathke

Why did my sister eat dirt by the fistful as a wee tot?

Dicken Crane

How much carbon in the atmosphere and oceans came from soil? How much can we get back into the soil? Could regenerative agriculture be the solution to climate change?

Dave Emde

Soil science puns, do you dig 'em?

Caelan Rathke

Can you talk about dirt in a body farm (an outdoor forensic lab space used to study the decomposition of people)? How does soil affect the decomposition of bodies? How would those bodies affect the soil? Would the dirt/soil from a body farm affect the research done there? With so many bodies decaying over years in the same space, I would imagine that the dirt would change the way decomposition would occur in normal circumstances.

Curious

What chemicals or medications would be in soil from a collapsed septic tank? Could you eat vegetables grown in that dirt?

Curious

Are there micro plastics in soil? Do they end up in food products grown in that soil?

Curious

What are different kinds of soils? And what are they made of?

Kate Timms

I know that soil derived parasites are a real problem for human health around the globe. Does human activity alter the soil microbiome and as a result impact on soil derived parasites?

Curious

Why can’t pregnant woman “play in dirt”? (My Doctors words)

Beck

What are the "worm casings" in the fancy potting soil I buy? Would it help my plants if I added live earthworms to the pots? Also, do you know about lomi (it's a countertop composting device that supposedly only takes like 3 days to break down food waste)? I keep getting adverts for it and am tempted but it's sooo expensive.

SHERIE SMALLEY

So we hear about soil described based on particle size (clay, silt, sand) but isn’t that only the inorganic components? Need to know more about the organic components . . . Specifically feel like I need to know more about peat: how important is it, what % of the earth’s total dirt is peat, and should we be protecting it?

Jess EyeballSurgeon

Why does dirt get such a bad rap when it's so beneficial for human life?

Jess EyeballSurgeon

Should our kids be playing in the dirt more? Is there any correlation between dirty kids and decreased allergies/boosted immune system?

Dave Emde

What's your favourite soil fact/anecdote to whip out at parties to impress your friends and family?

Lucian Stern

Any benefits to eating controlled amounts of dirt?

Bees knees

Perennial monoculture food plants for soil health? Views on George Monbiots agricultural ideas?

Bees knees

Ukraines soil is reputed to be the deepest fertile soil in the world, is it? Compared to deepest fertile U.S. soil? Better or worse?

Danae DeJournett

I’ve had clay dirt growing up and now I have sandy dirt. The sandy dirt is by far much harder to keep grass on because of my dog who digs. Any suggestions for filling in my sandy dirt spots because the grass ain’t cutting it. And if that’s not something that’s in your wheelhouse, my other question is whether we use anybody else’s poops other than cows for soil enrichment. Do we use our own and can we? Is manure only useful from herbivores? What’s in manure that makes it so useful?

Beth Hickey

As someone who spends their days barefoot in the yard and garden as much as possible, is there any real science behind grounding?

Danae DeJournett

Also! Will adding worms to sandy soil make the sand turn into dirt or something better for plants or would that kill the worms? Asking for my poor garden.

Nikki DeMarco

is the rhyme "God made dirt, so dirt don't hurt" true? or should i disregard the 5 second rule?

Seth

If it’s made out of minerals and we need minerals to live then why can’t I eat it?

Hannah Michel

I always thought people were joking or exaggerating when they talked about kids eating dirt until I read Suzanne Simard talking about how she literally ate humus as a child. is this a thing??? is it actually good for us / does it help to build a healthy immune system in children? should we be eating more dirt and washing our carrots less? have you ever eaten soil on purpose? what does it taste like? should I more follow the urge to taste the soil next time I'm in a forest with beautiful black humus?

Ashley Romano

Recently went to Utah to do the parks and saw a ton of info around the crust. Outside of Utah, what other locations have a biological soil crust? If the crust is destroyed, is there a way to salvage it?

Taryn Selch

Do you know of any cultures in which dirt has a special cultural significance? What about myths and legends about soil?

Geo Beck (Becky)

Oh! I would love to her her talk about her connection between soil and art/creativity

Mark Hewlette

How long does it take to turn compost into dirt? Is there an optimal dirt for earthworms? Is that an optimal first for a vegetable garden?

Miriam

Do forest fires make dirt better for new growth, or worse? (Just visited Kings Canyon & Sequoia and there is so much evidence of old fires!)

Gordee

CEC.. why is it so hard to understand??

Stephanie Leské

1st time question asker long time luva of ologies. I have a houseplant called Alie Ward who obviously lives in soil. 😅 Please shed some light on the 5 second rule! My dad always said we need some dirt to build up an immune system & my boyfriend is just horrified everytime I talk about picking up an Laffy Taffy outta the dirt & giving it a blow!

Allison Fallon

Is it true that some dirt is better than others? When I'm (trying to!) garden, there are all these dirt options at the nursery. Is that just a bunch of bs? Or are their specific soil recipes that benefit a vegetable garden or flower bed?

Jessica Morgan

The year after a fire, do morels help the soil regenerate?

Marisa Kurtz

1st time question asker! I’ve always wanted to know if there’s a medical or psychological reason some people feel compelled to eat dirt a la recently having watched The Great. I swear I’ve heard this compulsion somewhere else before or are am I in flim flam territory?

Brenda Bancroft

Okay, this might be a really dumb question but.... what is dirt comprised of? What gives it different colors? If I were to look at dirt under a microscope, what would I see? What is the difference between dirt and sand?

Kate Aylward

I'd love to learn more about the connection between contact with soil and positive mental health. I've always heard that being outside and playing in the dirt is good for your brain, but is that true? And if so, how? What's going on in there?

Popita

Besides bacteria, insects, and vertebrates, what other organism live in the soil that are out of the ordinary? Like Tardigrades. Do they live in soil?

Julia Spin

Is it good for kids to eat dirt? Does the five second rule make sense (you can eat stuff off the ground within 5 seconds of dropping it because germs don’t have time to stick to it)???

Kelly Semon

Is it bad that after I spend a day gardening, any time I use a tissue there is dirt in my snot for like a week? Should I be wearing a mask when I mix my potting soil? 😬

Miriya

What is going on with Don't Bust the Crust signs? They're in several national parks in the southwestern USA

Kelly Semon

Also I have a yard that is basically clay and sand but intermittently becomes a pond due to shit drainage. Even if I wanted grass It isn’t growing here! What can I do to improve the soil health of my yard enough to allow some erosion preventing groundcover plants to live? When I try to fertilize over it all the good soil just washes away!

Some Random Frog

Why is some dirt super rich and other dirt is just sand? Does it have to with the animals nearby?

Some Random Frog

Why does dirt in bags -the kind is sold at gardening stores- smell good? Am I crazy?

alicia t

is there such a thing as "invasive dirt" like invasive plants/animals?? if so what is the best way to take care of our native dirt...native plants, composting??

Katherine Almendinger

What's best for soil composition and structure in the garden? No tilling? Work compost and amendments into the top couple inches? Turn over aggressively while thinking about toppling the patriarchy? Coplant with things like carrots that dig for you and legumes to get nitrogen all up in there? Also, this is my FAVORITE podcast of all time and I'm wearing your merch right now.

Amber Elizabeth

Where I live, we have a ton of potholes. I’ve heard that part of the issue is the soft clay underneath our roads. How does clay and dirt cause infrastructure failure, and is there anything we can do to mitigate it?

Dennis Winders

I have to ask a second question because the timing is perfect! Someone just gave me a bag of biochar and I have no idea what to do with it. Is it legit? Flim-flam? Should I learn to make it? Thank you!

Liana Haigis

Why do my plants die when I plant them in my backyard but not in a pot with potting soil? What do plants need in the dirt to thrive? THANK U ILY

Cat Baklarz

Okay. So I just learned that mycorrhizal fungi make plants sweeter, hardier, more productive etc. So what happens in aquaculture or when plants are grown in those bioballs? Are these fungal strains just floating around in the air, waiting for a Basil plant to populate? Are they on the seeds? In the water? Or do plants grown in water do something different with their resident fungi? ESSENTIALLY, how does aquaculture work and do these plants still use fungi the same way

Katie Murray

When I was a kid I got “worms” (what that actually means I’m not sure and am too scared to google) and was told that was from eating dirty snow. Likely true? Or more likely what adults told me to try to convince me to not eat snow even though it’s delicious and so refreshing when you’ve been running around playing in the snow for a couple hours?

Cat Baklarz

Please talk about climate change and soil fertility

Living it Up

why do children eat it ??? is it bad for them ???

Heather Clarke

The rhinos at the Maryland zoo get tetanus shots. How common is the bacteria in the soil? Does it enter the skin, do they ingest it, or does it need an open wound?

Emma

What are the career options and demand for soil scientists?

Michaela Hammer

Does organic fertilizer, when added to organic potting mix and allowed to sit around, get "burned up" by microbes and become less available to plants over time? Or does it just hang out in various forms of microbe poop and can still provide high levels of nutrition to plants? Assume the pile is well covered/enclosed.

Sarah Meaden

What determines what kinds are dirt are good for things? (preservation of fossils, farming different crops, creation of crystals)

Ruby Bray

Why do soil types change according to location

Paul Bruno

I understand that farmers will let land lay fallow for a year or so to rejuvenate the soil....but isn't that land still covered with weeds etc and doesn't that take nutrients out of the soil as well?

Emily Davies

I am always telling parents and students that people who spend time with their hands in the dirt have a stronger immune system. How true is this?

Some Random Frog

What did you first think “man, dirt is cool”?

Rachel Mello

I've heard that there's something in soil that triggers serotonin release (or something like that). And that when people talk about the garden being their "happy place" it's not just the fresh air, growing stuff, and all the overt things, but also something in the soil we're responding to in a biochemical way. Is that true? So maybe not wearing gloves in the garden is a good idea? Separately, but related- I had my soil tested and it's very high in lead (I live in a dense city). I only grown flowers, not food, so I'm not too worried, but is washing my hands after gardening sufficient, or do I have to wear gloves because of the lead? thanks!

Sleepy John

Is there a way to accumulate dirt faster in places that are a thin layer of soil over solid rock? Aside from composting everything you can get your hands on?

Drew Kissinger

A neighbor of mine claimed that our soil in new England is so fertile bc we have so many rocks in the soil, which are a type of fertilizer? Is she just a nutty Yankee crank or is there anything to it?

Amanda Butler

With potting mixes like Miracle-Gro that have food/fertilizer mixed in, how necessary is it to supplement with additional plant food? I don't want to deny my plants nutrients but I also don't want to kill them with too much food.

Sydney Atkin

Hello!! Ok so when I was a kid I ate a lot of dirt. Is there a safe way to eat dirt or use it in a gastronomic way??

Hannah Thill

How and why is tilling detrimental to all the little soil friends (microbes and such) and how does it release carbon from the soil? I've heard this, but the science wrinkles my brain.

gg

A power transformer fell into a friend's backyard so she reported it to SCE who said don't worry a repair crew will be arriving in a couple weeks and it's safe for her 5y/o daughter to play. They came in HASMAT suits - not a good look. She sued for her daughter. This might be a joke but, we were dirt farmers. We would shovel up some dirt in our backyard and sell it at a local farmer's market. Our neighbor caught on and under cut our price - how could he sell dirt so dirt cheap???

Isabel Slaymaker

(ftqa!) how do different starting materials affect compost quality? Are different types of compost better for different areas/ purposes? 🍌💩🌱

Julia Vollmer

(FTQA!) Can you talk about the microbial content of dirt? We built MudWatts in my microbiology laboratory course and think it would be fascinating to for others to hear about the electricity generated from dirt microbes!

atlasphere

compost and it's role in soil restoration, holding capacity and carbon sequestration

GK Gurley

I have worked in early education in Montessori environments for years, and since the start of the pandemic we’ve transitioned to being outdoors more. I hear frequently from other educators and parents about the properties in dirt being great for toddlers’ and young children’s gut development and immune system development. Is there a truth of this or do I just work with a bunch of hippies?

Kimmerjae

I just want to send you & your family some love now. And then as I read a few other comments, I want to ask if Dr. Jennings has any harsh enough words to back up my loathing of polymer-based landscape fabric? (From a longtime landscape design-builder). And here's some more love for you & your family.

Jeanette-o-saur

If you're finding that much dirt in your nose holes, it's not a bad idea to put on a mask or a bandana. Keeping the dirt wet to avoid dust while you're mixing is good too. Peat moss can have fungus spores that can sometimes make people sick, so pro-gardeners often mask up when mixing soil

Jeanette-o-saur

As a geologist I appreciate this question

Jeanette-o-saur

Good question! I'd love to know if there are regions with unique microbes and if anyone has accidentally gained superpowers from them

Jeanette-o-saur

Stop bathing her seems to be the obvious answer 🤣

Jeanette-o-saur

Geologist at your service. I doubt this will be covered in the dirt discussion so here's the readers digest summary: There are 3 types of fossilisation. 1. Dead thing gets smushed into dirt and buried. The thing decays or wears away but an imprint remains 2. Dead thing gets smushed into dirt and buried. It does not wear away or decay so tissues/bones/shells will actually will be present. Sometimes another mineral will infuse or a porous object (e.g. fossilized wood) or harder minerals will replace the original minerals and help preserve it. Obviously harder things are easier to preserve, which is why scientists get really excited when a dig finds soft tissue remnants as well. 3. A creature makes prints in dirt as it moves (footprints, tunnels). The prints get filled with a slightly different material and buried. In all cases the dead thing or leftover shell has to be buried deep enough for long enough that the mud or sand compresses & turn into rock. They're basically little miracles of preservation.

Jeanette-o-saur

Here for all of the fungus-soil questions!!!

Jeanette-o-saur

Lawns - are they ruining our natural soil processes? How does one find native ground cover species to replace or diversify the generic lawn grass? Should I just let the weeds run wild? How are microplastics effecting soil ecosystems? Please talk about the awesomeness of mycelium and trees and insects and soil magic!

Erika Mittermaier

Finally - SOIL!!!! SO excited. When I gave Alie suggestions of who to talk to for this a while back, I suggested professors from gradschool at Oregon State. Then, Alie independently found Dr. Jennings, an old friend from undergrad times (before either Lydia or I knew we'd be getting into soil). Could not have chosen a better person Alie! Okay - questions: 1.) What is the most common pollutant you have had to clean up and what is your favorite remediation method? 2: What is your favorite project on which you've worked? 3.) As a native woman and liaison for the tribal communities, do you feel like there is a deeper understanding of soil ecology in these communities? Have you found that your experience has enabled you to enact more effective modes of science communication and acknowledgement of the importance of soil health? How can we get the general public to care more about SOIL!?!?

Lele

There is this saying in German: "Dreck reinigt den Magen." It translates to dirt cleans the stomach. It is mostly said to kids playing outside and maybe eating a bit of sand once in a while. Is it true though? Or better, is there any grain of truth to it?

Alexander Kidd

Silly question: Have you ever (ironically or unironically) quoted Spiderman 3 when Toby Maguire says "I'm gonna put some dirt in your eye"?

Alexander Kidd

Serious question: How do you feel about premade potting soil? Growing up my grandpa complained SO MUCH about how its overpriced and not very good quality. I know composting will ultimately give you better dirt, but is storebought fine????

ewashee

First time question asker- Is the wonderful smell of rain actually pheromones' being excreted by horny microbes in the soil? Why does rain have that effect?

Donna Ross

As temperatures increase from global warming how likely is it to have dust bowl conditions similar to those of the 1930s and how will that impact future food supply?

Donna Ross

I highly recommend "This Podcast Will Kill You." They have an entire episode about tetanus.

David Macias

This is a story, not a question. I'm a archaeologist and was out with some friends a few years ago getting absolutely wrecked. And my one friend is a very pretty lady person and gets a lot of attention from creeps. So she's barely able to stand and some creep comes by to talk at her. But i intercepted him and he made small talk and I said we're archaeologists and he asked about how cool that was, but the whole time he's leering at my friend. And i told him that really the most interesting part about archaeology is the soil types. So i explained the difference between loams and sands, clays, gleys, and silts. And the guy eventually walked away bc nobody wants to hear about soil. And that's how dirt (and my chaotic goodness) kept some creep from taking advantage of my pretty drunk lady friend.

Xavier Fleischood

Is it true that mud romper kiddos have a tendency to develop stronger gut biomes? Asking for me, because I frickin' loved being outside when I was little and did not get sick very often. Luck, or microbes?!

Estie Munro

Is soil used for any other reasons besides supporting the natural world? Like, is it used to make toothpaste or socks? Silly examples but you know what I mean.

Liliana Ramirez

How do modern pollutants enter the dirt and what effects have they had on it?? Also, what is the dirt around landfills like?

Koren Taylor

How do we determine the age of dirt? First time:)

Jenna Congdon

I've heard that touching soil is good for your health.(like it helps to build a stronger gut biome, etc). Is that really true? Also, why does it smell so dang amazing? And why does it smell differently in different places? Is "dust" or sand like you might find in a dry environment really considered soil? Once soil is degraded by farming, erosion ,etc, how long does it take to repair it? What percentage of soil is really "dirt", and how much is other stuff (organic matter, bugs, mychorriza/other fungi, etc??)? I'm a gardener and I passionately love the natural world, I wish everyone knew how interesting soil is!!

Mary Ann

Just how full of anthrax is soil, anyhow? And are there lots of other pathogens lurking there, or is it mostly just earthworms?

Natasha Page

If you have a dog that poops in your yard, and you clean the yard regularly, how long do the pathogens from the poop remain in and on the soil? Is there an time when you can reasonably walk barefoot in the yard again?

Autumn Nicoson

What is a long term solution for reversing the damage that monocropping does? and is mycelium/fungi and moisture the only factors that are missing in soil that cause erosion? How would we fix that?

Erica Esslinger

1st time asker - This is in reference to my daughter. She is currently on the waiting list for an autism evaluation and is 18 months old. SHE LOVES TO EAT DIRT. I mean just mouthfulls shoved in. It became a little much to try to control. I've done my own digging and it could be considered Pica. In my digging I read that children with Autism are more likely to have Pica than Neurotypical children. So... is there a specific reason for that? Is the vitamin/mineral deficiency linked to it in some way maybe the same way that Casein might be? After the episode on Microbiology (Gut Biome Nov 2018) I did a lot of looking into Casein being possibly linked and just WOW.

Shelby Smith

First time question asker. Geophagia or pica where pregnant women crave eating dirt...just...why?

Michelle Zentgraf

First time asker... my little brother used to eat dirt when he was a toddler. My mother insisted it meant he needed minerals and let him have at it, cat poop in the garden be damned. It's there any truth to this? P.S. not a dirt eater but i did eat half a slug when i was a toddler.

Justin Saucedo

I also have this question! I've heard that malnourished children will eat dirt for minerals/iron etc. How effective is it for their body?

Brenden O'Donnell

First time asker: Have you ever heard of soil with magical properties, like the holy dirt of Chimayo in New Mexico? What are your thoughts on this?

cheyanne morris

first time question asker, and NEW PATRON HEHE IM SO EXCITED: if i eat dirt with bugs can they grow in me? if no... why.......?

VibesandMoods

First time question asker, is there any evidence for how long types of pollution stay in the soil and why can some stay so long? My brother lives in Sheffield, UK and apparently the soil still has pollution and heavy metals from the industrial revolution

Ella

First time asker - What are good & sustainable ways to add nutrients to soil? I know that fertilizer runoff can cause problems if it's overused, and I know roughly how to compost (although like many others here I could use more advice), but I was wondering if there are other ways to make soil better?

Sara Edgar

Are there any studies about adding menstral blood to dirt and benefits it may have for plants in said dirt?

annie

How “dirty” is dirt? Like how many germs? What if my blueberry falls in dirt, can I eat it still?

Justine Doll

First time asker!! How does the phenomenon of petrichor work?

Jules Kingsland

Why is it so soft? And is I true that you can eat dirt for ProTeen? also is it a good Insulation?

Sam Phillips-Corwin

So many dirt questions! 1. Is there ACTUALLY something about dirt that has an antidepressant effect and gets absorbed through your hands (I've heard that from multiple people)? 2. Is it possible that two handfuls of dirt from two different places could have almost nothing in common, because of the different materials and minerals? Or will they always share certain elements? 3. Can you call the stuff on Mars and the Moon dirt? 4. I've heard that a lot of diseases can be acquired from soil, for humans, animals, and plants. What's their deal? What are the worst human diseases you can get from the soil and where do they live? How do they survive in the dirt in-between infecting human or animal hosts?

Anjel Chavez

God I hope it’s not too late but as a former University of Minnesota soil judger I would like to know what is your favorite soil texture and why is it silt loam/silty clay loam.