Why are scientists burying 2,000 pairs of underwear in the ground?
In Switzerland, scientists, farmers, and gardeners are burying 2,000 pairs of underwear in the soil. BBC Science Focus Magazine, a British science magazine, explains why.
Proof By Underpants: the project burying pants to study soil health - BBC Science Focus Magazine
The University of Zurich in Switzerland is conducting a project called ' Proof by underpants ' to study soil biology and soil quality. This is a joint research project between the University of Zurich and Agroscope , a Swiss agricultural research center, and involves private gardeners, farmers, and other interested citizens burying their pants in the soil to investigate the health of the soil.
UZH - Department of Plant and Microbial Biology - Proof by underpants
The researchers buried the cotton pants in the soil, then dug them up after two months and took photos. They then looked at how much of the pants had decomposed and how active the soil was in terms of soil biology. The more the pants had decomposed, the better the health of the soil.
The research team explained, 'The pants used in our study are made from 100% biodegradable organic cotton, except for the waistband and seams. 100% biodegradable organic cotton is food for a variety of organisms in the soil, so the more organisms in the soil are active, the faster and more the pants will decompose.'
Participants in the project will receive two pairs of pants and bury each pair in the soil they wish to study. One pair will be dug up after one month, and the other will be dug up after two months. A soil survey will also be conducted with the pants to determine the types of microorganisms that live there.
Soil is home to billions of different kinds of microbes, fungi, insects and other living things. Little is known about this ecosystem and how it affects crop yields and the prevention of natural disasters. Proof by underpants uses the rate at which pants are buried in the soil to decompose and provide insight into the health of the soil and the impact of soil organisms on crop yields.
Proof by Underpants aims to raise awareness of soil erosion, a global problem. The use of fertilisers in agricultural cultivation and increased construction are believed to be the main causes of the accelerated loss of fertile soil. As well as affecting crops, soil erosion has been shown to reduce soil defences against natural disasters and increase the levels of chemicals seeping into rivers.
The technique of burying pants in soil to measure soil biological activity is also used outside of Switzerland.
Why do French farmers bury their pants in their fields? - GIGAZINE
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