Our Energy Comes from the Soil
How Healthy Soils, Nutritious Foods, and Sustainable Agriculture Affect Our Energy and That of Our Planet.
Our nutrition is much more than just a calorie intake – it is our daily source of energy. However, what is often overlooked is that the quality of this energy begins not on our plate, but deep in the soil. Healthy soils are the foundation for nutrient-rich foods, a resilient environment, and, ultimately, for our own vitality.
On this year's Earth Day, with the theme "Our Energy, Our Planet," it is worthwhile to examine this connection more closely: How we manage our land directly affects the energy flows of our planet – from soil fertility to the storage of carbon and water.
Soils as Energy Reservoirs
Soils are not only the origin of our food but also an essential energy reservoir. Healthy, humus-rich soil can store water, bind CO2, and promote the growth of plants that, in turn, convert solar energy into nutrient-dense food. However, industrial agriculture with heavy machinery, monocultures, and chemical pesticides depletes this life energy from the soil, causing it to degrade and leading to increased erosion.
The use of pesticides is particularly problematic: These chemicals not only kill pests but also harm microorganisms and soil life that are essential for natural soil fertility and, therefore, for energy storage. Without these organisms, soil quality decreases, resulting in poorer plant growth and fewer nutrients. Additionally, dependence on pesticides often leads to the intensification of agricultural processes, requiring more machines, synthetic fertilizers, and fossil energy.
Perhaps when we take a bite of a juicy apple, we don't think about how the farmer has treated it multiple times during the summer with plant protection chemicals to keep pests away. Such substances often leave residues in the soil and end up in our food and drinking water. In 2021, the so-called Pesticide Initiative was discussed in Switzerland, which called for a stricter ban on these substances. Although the initiative was rejected, the federal government promised to tighten legal protections – a process that is still ongoing.
Regenerative Agriculture as an Energy Source
Regenerative agriculture addresses this issue directly: Instead of exploiting the soil, it rebuilds it through natural methods. By minimizing interventions, avoiding chemical pesticides, diversifying crops, and maintaining soil cover, the energy remains in the soil. This form of agriculture not only improves soil fertility but also reduces the energy expenditure for external fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring a more sustainable energy flow throughout food production.
Organic farming is increasingly reaching its limits – both ecologically and economically. The demand for sustainably produced food is high, but the available land is not enough to feed everyone exclusively with organic products. Moreover, organic products are often more expensive. Regenerative agriculture can bridge this gap: It does not require strict labels or certifications but is based on principles that are flexible and adaptable.
Ten Tips for Energy-Saving Shopping
- Buy regionally and seasonally – This avoids long transport routes and reduces energy consumption.
- Prefer fresh, unprocessed foods – Processed products often have a high energy and resource footprint.
- Choose loose products instead of packaged ones – Saves energy required for the production and disposal of packaging.
- Consume more plant-based foods – The production of meat and dairy products requires significantly more energy than fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Plan your shopping and avoid food waste – This reduces the energy effort for the production and transport of unnecessary foods.
- Prefer fair-trade and sustainably certified products – They promote environmentally friendly farming methods.
- Shop directly from producers – Farmers' markets and farm shops offer products without long supply chains.
- Support more regenerative agriculture – Learn about farms that work without pesticides and use humus-building methods.
- Use energy-saving transport options – Walking, biking, or public transport to shop saves fossil energy.
- Utilize your own garden or balcony – Home-grown vegetables save transport energy and strengthen your connection to nature.
Your Decision for Sustainable Energy
Our shopping decisions influence this cycle: When we buy regionally and seasonally, we support agriculture that respects the planet's energy balance. Products from regenerative agriculture are often not found in supermarkets, but they can be found at markets, farm shops, and specialized retailers. Demeter products come closest to the principles of regenerative agriculture.
The Soil to Soul movement was founded to promote this type of agriculture. Its origin lies in the realization that healthy soils are not only essential for nature but also for our own health. Thomas Sterchi, the initiator of the Soil to Soul Symposium, began revitalizing agriculturally damaged soils on his farm, Terramay, in Portugal – and found regenerative agriculture to be a promising path.
Now, not everyone has the opportunity to run a farm themselves – but voting with your wallet is a decision that each of us can make. Conscious eating doesn't necessarily mean only buying organic, but also paying attention to where our food comes from and under what conditions it was produced.
Every meal we consciously choose is a decision for or against a sustainable food and energy system. Healthy soils, vital foods, and an intact environment are the foundation of our own energy and that of our planet.