Soil Is Not Dirt: Changing Minds Through Education

Urbanised and Unrooted: Losing Touch with Soil

As urbanisation intensifies and cities become more densely populated, the disconnection between people and soil continues to grow. In many urban contexts, because of proximity and less exposure to natural landscapes, soil is perceived as little more than the dirt that clings to shoes—something inert, messy, or even undesirable. However, this perception is fundamentally flawed.

Soil is not dirt; dirt implies lifelessness, while soil is a biologically active, complex system that plays a critical role in supporting life on Earth.

Functioning soils underpin food, water, and energy security, regulate the global carbon cycle, support biodiversity, and serve as a key ally in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Yet despite its essential services, soil remains largely invisible and undervalued in public discourse and policy.

This growing disconnect between society and soil contributes to its ongoing degradation, exacerbating a suite of interconnected global challenges—from land degradation and biodiversity loss to climate instability and food insecurity.

Reversing this trend requires a shift in both perception and action—grounded in science, driven by education, and supported by policy.

Building Soil Connectivity through Education

Of the five dimensions of soil security Connectivity is the social link between people and soil and is perhaps the most underdeveloped, yet foundational. Without public understanding and connection, efforts to protect soil often lack social and political support. Education is the most powerful tool for strengthening soil connectivity, transforming abstract scientific knowledge into shared responsibility and stewardship.

Education—both formal and informal—is key. When people understand soil, they begin to value it; and when they value it, they are more likely to protect it. Knowledge leads to care, and care inspires action.

Parents as Soil Educators: Building Curiosity—and Immunity

Parents play a vital role in fostering children’s connection to soil. Encouraging kids to play in soil not only nurtures curiosity but also supports their health.

Research shows that exposure to soil microbes can help build stronger immune systems and may lower the risk of allergies, asthma, and autoimmune conditions.

According to the “hygiene hypothesis”, modern, urban lifestyles—characterised by reduced contact with the natural environment and increased sanitation—may deprive children’s immune systems of the microbial challenges needed for healthy development.

By encouraging safe, joyful engagement with soil, parents can promote long term wellbeing and foster a lasting appreciation for soil and the natural environment.

Teaching Soil Security in Schools

Integrating soil security education into schools is essential to convey an understanding and appreciation of soil’s importance in sustaining life. Teaching children about soil connects them to where their food comes from and how Earth’s natural systems operate, cultivating values that encourage environmental stewardship.

Engaging All Ages: Fostering Connection with Soil

Interactive, age-appropriate activities can spark curiosity and deepen understanding of soil’s importance across developmental stages:

Early Childhood (Ages 4–7): Foster sensory exploration and creativity with soil painting, clay texture play, simple nature-themed storybooks, and short educational videos.

Middle Childhood (Ages 8–11): Introduce structured activities like starting a small garden, building a compost bin, or journaling soil observations to build curiosity and responsibility.

Early Adolescence (Ages 12–14): Deepen engagement through classroom experiments, growing plants from seed, and participating in group projects that explore soil health and its environmental role.

Late Adolescence (Ages 15–18): Provide real-world learning experiences such as field trips to farms and environmental restoration sites. Encourage participation in citizen science projects, sustainability initiatives, and hands-on scientific experiments—such as testing soil pH, texture, moisture, and microbial activity—to deepen understanding of soil functions and its role in broader ecological systems.

By aligning soil education with age-appropriate activities, we can build knowledge, appreciation, and care for this vital resource throughout a child’s learning journey

Stewards of the future

Improving soil literacy is a prerequisite for effective soil governance. Without a scientifically informed society, policies aimed at soil protection face challenges in implementation and public support. Education provides the foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable management of soil resources.

It is imperative that all children gain a comprehensive understanding of soil condition and its role in natural ecosystems. Embedding soil security within primary and secondary education equips future generations with the knowledge and ethical framework necessary to ensure long-term soil conservation.