Why is soil good for humans?
Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and many other nutrients are stored, transformed, and cycled in the soil. Soil structure provides a medium for plant roots. Soils also provide support for human structures and protection for archeological treasures. Add Organic Matter. Organic matter is the single most important ingredient to improving any soil. It can make heavy clay soil drain better, easier to dig and not so hard or sticky. It can also help sandy soil hold together better and retain more moisture and nutrients.
What does healthy soil smell like?
Essentially, if your soils are cycling organic matter, they will have that fragrant earthy smell. Soils can have other smells, but they are not associated with soil health. Soils absent of oxygen can have a rotten egg or sulfur smell. Scientists found that the smell of soil has been shown to boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine – similar to anti-depressants! And yes, it is entirely possibly to dose yourself up on these soil microbes, really lifting your spirits).