Why are scientists burying 2000 pants in the soil?
In Switzerland, scientists, farmers and gardeners are working together to bury as many as 2000 pants in the soil. The reason for this is explained by the British scientific journal BBC Science Focus Magazine.
Proof By Underpants: the project burying pants to study soil health --BBC Science Focus Magazine
At the University of Zurich, Switzerland, a project called 'Proof by underpants ' is underway to study soil organisms and soil quality. This is a joint research project between the University of Zurich and Agroscope , the Swiss Agricultural Research Center, to investigate soil health by burying pants in the soil with private gardeners, farmers and other interested citizens. To do.
UZH --Department of Plant and Microbial Biology --Proof by underpants
The research team buries cotton pants in the soil, then digs them up two months later and takes pictures. Investigate the activity of soil organisms by looking at how much the pants buried in the soil are decomposed. It seems that the more the pants are disassembled, the better the soil is in good health.
The research team said, 'The pants we use in our study are 100% biodegradable organic cotton, except for the waist and seams. 100% biodegradable organic cotton can be found in a variety of soils. The more active the creatures in the ground, the faster and more the pants will break down, as they feed on the creatures. '
People who participate in the project receive two pants and bury each one in the soil they want to investigate. One of the pants buried in the soil will be dug up after one month and the other after two months. In addition, a soil survey will be conducted together with the pants, and the types of microorganisms inhabiting will also be surveyed.
Billions of microorganisms, fungi, insects and other creatures live in the soil. Little is known about its ecosystem and how it affects crop yields and the prevention of natural disasters. Proof by underpants estimates the impact of soil health and soil organisms on crop yields from the degree of decomposition of pants buried in the soil.
Proof by underpants aims to raise awareness of ongoing soil erosion on a global scale. The use of fertilizers to grow crops and the increase in buildings are believed to be the main causes of accelerated loss of fertile soil. It has been pointed out that soil erosion not only affects crops, but also reduces the defense function against natural disasters and raises the level of chemical substances that permeate rivers.
The method of investigating the biological activity of soil by burying pants in the soil is also used outside Switzerland.
Why do French farmers bury their pants in the fields? --GIGAZINE
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