Film puts power of soil on display

Have you taken a good, hard look at your soil lately? While you might see an earthworm or two in a shovelful, it’s what you don’t see that’s even more important: A world teeming with microorganisms.

According to North Carolina State University soil science professor David Lindbo, “There are more organisms in about a teaspoon of soil than there are people on Earth.”

You will have the opportunity to learn more about this subject and our amazing planet by attending a free showing of the film “Symphony of the Soil” this week. Refer to the information box below for dates, times and locations.

Did you know that the United Nations General Assembly declared 2015 to be the International Year of Soils? In a news release, they emphasized how “Soils are essential to our ecosystems, playing a key role in the carbon cycle, storing and filtering water, and improving resilience to floods and droughts, and yet we are not paying enough attention to this important ‘silent ally.’ ”

Upon hearing of this designation, the Spokane County Master Gardeners formed the International Year of Soils committee. Mary Beth Shinn, committee chairwoman, recently explained how they were able to bring this exceptional film to Spokane.

“Our committee felt early on that most gardeners didn’t understand how important the biology of the soil is and how it works,” she said. “We wanted to start by changing the curriculum Master Gardener trainees receive by placing more emphasis on soil biology.”

That’s when they came across this film and, after watching it together, quickly realized it would be a powerful tool. They approached the Master Gardener Foundation of Spokane County – the fundraising arm of the Master Gardener program – and asked for help in purchasing a license to show the film to the public.

Co-sponsors of this project are the Spokane County Master Gardener Program, Gonzaga University, ValleyFest, the city of Spokane Valley and the Ice Age Flood Institute.

During the course of the film, viewers will travel to four continents – which includes a trip to Washington’s Palouse country – to gain an understanding of the importance of soil.

What many aren’t aware of is that plants pull carbon dioxide out of the air through photosynthesis, creating carbohydrates that feed bacteria and fungi in the plant’s root system. In return, these soil organisms feed and protect the plant’s roots from disease.

The photography throughout the film is breathtaking. One example is time-lapse images of mushrooms growing and then releasing spores to propagate. The film is a pleasing mix of science, scenery and music – as well as thought-provoking environmental issues and the methods some farmers are utilizing to improve their soil.

“This film has the potential to change people’s lives,” Shinn said. “The four essentials to life on Earth are air, water, soil and sunlight. To solve our environmental problems, we must recognize that soil is an essential element.”