Podcast Summary
The Complexity of Soil Science: Pedology, Microbiology, and Environmental Science: Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of soil science and its importance for understanding soil health, environmental implications, and sustainability.
Soil, a common and essential interaction for humans, is a complex and diverse field of study with various intersections and specializations, such as pedology, microbiology, and environmental science. Lydia Jennings, an indigenous pedologist with a background in biology, environmental science, technology and policy, and a PhD in soil microbiology, highlights the importance of recognizing the various ways scientists and people engage with soil. Pedology, the study of soil, is the foundation for understanding soil science and its interdisciplinary applications. Additionally, soil is a ubiquitous and vital resource, and understanding its health and environmental implications is crucial for environmental justice and sustainability.
Soils: More Than Just Dirt: Soils are complex systems teeming with life and microbes, essential for filtering water and supporting plant growth, and can contain over 10,000 microbes and various nutrients in a single teaspoon.
Soils are complex and diverse systems that play a crucial role in various scientific fields, from climate science to agricultural science. Soils are not just inert substances but are teeming with life and microbes, making them essential for filtering water and supporting plant growth. The term "dirt" is often used interchangeably with soil, but it is actually displaced soil that has been removed from its natural ecosystem. Soil composition varies greatly depending on the parent material, climate, and biological activity, resulting in diverse soil types and properties. A single teaspoon of soil can contain over 10,000 microbes and various nutrients, highlighting the importance of soil's role in supporting ecosystems. The conversation between soil scientists emphasized the need for greater inclusivity and recognition of the diversity and significance of soil science.
Soil's complex chemical properties and their impact on plant growth and water quality: Soil's chemical properties, including cation exchange capacity, significantly affect plant growth and water quality, with implications for environmental justice and societal issues.
Soil plays a crucial role in ecosystems and our lives, with its ability to hold essential nutrients and regulate water. Lydia's passion for soil science stems from its complex chemical properties, such as cation exchange capacity, which determines how effectively soil retains necessary ions for plant growth. Her interest deepened when she realized the impact of soil on water quality and toxicology, particularly in relation to environmental injustices affecting marginalized communities. Ultimately, soil science encompasses a multifaceted understanding of the natural world and its intricate relationships, highlighting the importance of scientific knowledge in addressing pressing societal issues.
Addressing environmental contamination in low-income areas: Scientific knowledge and Indigenous perspectives are crucial for addressing environmental contamination in low-income areas. Dr. Lydia Jennings, a scientist and Indigenous leader, combines both approaches to improve soil systems and ecosystem health.
Environmental contamination disproportionately affects low-income areas, and addressing this issue requires a combination of scientific knowledge and Indigenous perspectives. Dr. Lydia Jennings, a scientist and citizen of the Pascua Yaqui and Huzkal Nations, is dedicated to improving soil systems and ecosystem health in contaminated areas, particularly those affected by mining companies. Growing up near the LA River, she was struck by its transformation from a thriving wetland to a concreted ditch filled with industrial and residential discharge. Sampling in the LA River and other contaminated areas was emotionally challenging, but she approached it with the endurance of an athlete. The naming of rivers and the way people interact with the environment also influences how we perceive and treat waterways. Dr. Jennings' work demonstrates the importance of using both Indigenous epistemologies and traditional soil science metrics to address environmental contamination and improve ecosystem health for the benefit of humans and animals.
Exploring the impact of human actions on the environment: Through collecting soil samples for analysis, the speaker emphasized the importance of preserving the natural environment and using eco-friendly methods to ensure accurate results and long-term preservation. Human actions have a significant impact on the environment, and it's crucial to monitor and address potential health hazards.
Our relationship with nature and the importance of preserving the natural environment, even in urban areas, was a significant theme in the speaker's experiences. This was evident in their work collecting soil samples for environmental analysis, where they emphasized the importance of using glass containers instead of plastics to ensure accurate results and long-term preservation. The type of samples collected and the analysis methods varied depending on the project's goals. One project focused on monitoring stream pollution trends in California, while another looked at soil health and microbial life to assess mining waste. Throughout these experiences, the speaker highlighted the interconnectedness of human actions and their impact on the environment, as well as the importance of monitoring and addressing potential health hazards. The speaker also raised the question of whether we should be rethinking our aversion to dirt and embracing the natural world more fully, but acknowledged the necessity of increased sanitation measures in the current context.
Connecting with nature boosts mental health: Spending time in nature reduces stress, boosts mood, and decreases depression and anxiety.
Connecting with nature, whether through gardening or spending time outside, can have positive effects on mental health. Studies have shown that microbes found in soil can boost mood and reduce stress, while pets can also act as carriers of these beneficial microbes. Humans have evolved to be drawn to natural ecosystems, but modern life often keeps us separate. Spending time in nature has been linked to decreased depression and anxiety, and even simple actions like running or walking in nature can be beneficial. As a runner, it can be tempting to get distracted by the natural surroundings, but allowing yourself to experience the enjoyment of each outing, whether for exercise or relaxation, is important. While I may not be an expert gardener, the knowledge I have about soil health can apply to other areas, and I encourage everyone to explore the benefits of connecting with nature in their own way. Whether through gardening, houseplants, or simply spending time outside, the potential benefits to mental health are worth exploring.
Learning from Indigenous Communities: Traditional Knowledge and Environmental Education: Effective environmental education and research with Indigenous communities involves community engagement, recognizing traditional ecological knowledge, and building trust. Scientists and researchers must center Indigenous expertise and knowledge to ensure cultural sensitivity and valuable insights.
Community engagement and traditional knowledge are essential components of effective environmental education and research, particularly when working with Indigenous communities. The speaker shares her experience of learning about soil health in a workshop for Indigenous growers, where she fielded unconventional questions and provided insights based on her community connections. She also discusses the importance of building trust within the community to gain valuable insights and ensure cultural sensitivity in research. The speaker emphasizes the need for scientists and researchers to recognize and center traditional ecological knowledge and expertise, which is a skill she has developed and now tries to pass on to students. This approach is becoming more recognized and emphasized in science, but it's important to remember that it's a relatively recent development.
Understanding soil health and contamination through interdisciplinary studies and indigenous knowledge: Seeking indigenous mentorship, amplifying indigenous expertise, and utilizing interdisciplinary studies are essential for addressing complex soil health and contamination issues, particularly in Native American communities. Careful handling and stabilization of mining waste materials are necessary to prevent further environmental harm.
Pursuing interdisciplinary studies, including environmental science and indigenous knowledge, is crucial for understanding the complexities of soil health and contamination, particularly in Native American communities. Dr. Jennings emphasized the importance of seeking indigenous mentorship and involvement in organizations like the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and SACNAS. She also highlighted the significance of amplifying indigenous expertise and knowledge, not just those with formal degrees. Regarding the mining industry, the soil after mining can be severely contaminated with toxins like mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The process leaves behind waste material that requires careful handling and stabilization to prevent further environmental harm. Cap and plant methods, such as covering mine tailings with soil, are used to mitigate the damage, but the small, wet, and potentially harmful particles remain a concern.
Revitalizing Mine Tailings with Indigenous Knowledge and Long-Term Research: Indigenous knowledge, long-term research, and a focus on redressing power inequities can lead to successful mine tailings reclamation. Soil health and ecosystem existence depend on our care.
The cap and plant strategy for reclaiming mine tailings involves creating a soil and vegetative cap on top of the tailings. A tribe in the area invested in planting more seeds than usual, informed by traditional ecological knowledge and their vision for the future ecosystem. Over six years, researchers studied the biological, chemical, and physical parameters of the soil, as well as plant coverage and species diversity. The tribe's approach to reclamation emphasizes redressing inequities of power and agency, contrasting with the settler colonial tradition of viewing land as an object to own. The study found interesting trends, but there's always more to learn, leading the researcher to expand her focus to data mining. It's essential to recognize our interdependence with soils, which we're part of, not above. We interact with soils in various ways, even in urban areas, and caring for them is crucial for our health and the ecosystem's existence.
Appreciating the Importance of Soils: Soils are vital for our health, the planet, and future generations. Understanding their significance can lead to protecting and caring for them. Support initiatives like 'Will Run For Soil' and organizations like Rising Hearts to learn more.
Soils are not just something to be studied or extracted from, but something that requires care for the health of individuals, the planet, and the future. Soils are essential and play a significant role in our lives, and we all become a part of it. The importance of soils is often overlooked, especially in education, and initiatives like "Will Run For Soil" aim to increase public awareness. Soils come in various colors due to different nutrients and chemical reactions, and their colors can reveal cultural significance. By understanding and appreciating the importance of soils, we can take steps to protect and care for them. To learn more about the different colors of soils and their significance, consider supporting Lydia Jennings' upcoming film, "Will Run For Soil." Additionally, consider supporting organizations like Rising Hearts, which elevates Indigenous voices and fosters growth through community programs.
Understanding Soil and Clay: Soil is a mixture of various elements including clay, while clay is a fine-grained material found in soil. Pedologists use tools to categorize soil colors and traditional language provides insight into quality. Clay's unique properties make it crucial for soil and affect its texture and water retention.
Soil and clay, while related, are not the same thing. Soil is displaced and consists of various elements including clay, while clay is a fine-grained material that can be found in soil but is not soil itself. The color, texture, and smell of soil can vary greatly depending on its location and the organic and inorganic materials present. Pedologists use tools like Munsell charts to help categorize soil colors, but traditional language and cultural interpretations also provide insight into soil quality. Clay, being a crucial component of soil, is often transported and surrounds itself with water, making it squishy and moldable. Understanding the unique properties and characteristics of soil and clay can deepen our appreciation for the natural world and the role we play in it.
The natural world releases unique scents from dark waters and deserts: The dark waters of the Lumbee tribe and desert after rain release distinct scents, caused by plant compounds and microorganisms, respectively, expressing nature's interconnectedness with our senses.
The natural world is filled with intriguing scents, and two specific examples are the dark waters of the Lumbee tribe in Northern Carolina and the desert after rain. The dark waters contain tannins, which are plant compounds that deter herbivores and give tea its distinctive color. Similarly, the desert, particularly in the Sonoran region, releases a unique smell after rain due to the activation of creosote plants and the breakdown of materials by microorganisms. This scent is often described as the earth's way of expressing gratitude for moisture. Additionally, the smell of rain itself, known as petrichor, is caused by the release of plant oils and bacteria byproducts into the air when raindrops hit dry soil. This olfactory experience is a testament to the interconnectedness of the natural world and our senses.
Soil as a valuable ecosystem: Soil is a complex ecosystem with beneficial bacteria and fungi, essential nutrients, and is a valuable resource. However, the loss of topsoil and depletion of nutrients like phosphorus are major concerns.
Soil is not just a growth medium, but an ecosystem with billions of bacteria and fungi, many of which have the potential to produce antibiotics and other medicinal compounds. Soil is a valuable resource, and the depletion of essential nutrients like phosphorus is a growing concern. Phosphorus, along with nitrogen and potassium, are the primary nutrients to focus on, but the ideal soil can depend on the ecosystem. For instance, Lydia, a soil scientist, has a fondness for the Chaparral series soil in New Mexico, which is known for its bright yellow color and rich history. However, the loss of topsoil and the depletion of essential nutrients are major issues that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable farming and ecosystem health. Additionally, researchers are exploring the potential of soil-derived antibiotics and other medicinal compounds as solutions to environmental and pharmaceutical challenges.
Soil's Role in Climate Change and Regenerative Agriculture: Soil sequesters carbon, making it a crucial resource in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Indigenous farming practices emphasize reciprocal relationships with the environment, but safety concerns like valley fever and heavy metals should be addressed.
Soil plays a crucial role in addressing climate change through carbon sequestration and regenerative agriculture. Soil holds more carbon than all vegetation on Earth, making it a valuable resource in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Indigenous farmers have long practiced regenerative agriculture, and many continue to do so, emphasizing reciprocal relationships with the environment. However, safety concerns, such as valley fever and heavy metals, should be considered when working with soil. For instance, wearing masks and checking local health reports can help prevent valley fever, while being aware of heavy metal exposure and taking necessary precautions is essential for overall soil health. Additionally, the integration of ancestral knowledge and language into soil science can deepen our understanding and appreciation for the land.
Soil science research: Physical and emotional challenges: Soil science research involves collecting samples with safety concerns, analyzing data for soil stories, and balancing accountability to diverse communities and value systems.
Soil science research involves both physical and emotional challenges. While the work itself can be rewarding, researchers may encounter safety concerns in the field and face pressures to represent their communities accurately and authentically in various contexts. The speaker shared her experience of feeling vulnerable while collecting soil samples and how it led her research group to reevaluate safety protocols. She also discussed the importance of analyzing data to understand the story of the soil and the challenges of balancing accountability to multiple communities and value systems in different contexts. Overall, soil science research requires a combination of scientific expertise, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity.
Emphasizing Representation and Inclusion in STEM Fields: Indigenous pedologist Lydia Jennings advocates for representation and inclusion in STEM fields through organizations like AISES, and encourages curiosity and engagement with nature.
Lydia Jennings, an indigenous pedologist, emphasizes the importance of representation and inclusion in STEM fields. She encourages people to check out the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and supports professionals in these areas through professional development, career opportunities, and networking. Lydia also expresses her passion for teaching and the hope it brings, as well as the privilege and excitement of being a scientist with the ability to explore new questions through grants. She encourages curiosity and engagement with nature, such as smelling the soil or watching mining documentaries. Follow Lydia on social media or her website for more information, and consider donating to Rising Hearts. Lydia's work highlights the importance of representation and inclusion, and her passion for teaching and science serves as an inspiration.
