What is *The Soil Will Save Us* by Kristin Ohlson about?

*The Soil Will Save Us* argues that restoring soil health through regenerative practices can reverse climate change by capturing atmospheric carbon. Kristin Ohlson critiques industrial agriculture’s role in depleting soil carbon and highlights solutions like agroecology, which leverages microorganisms to rebuild soil ecosystems. The book blends science, farming stories, and environmental advocacy to propose a low-tech fix for global warming and food systems.

Who should read *The Soil Will Save Us*?

This book is ideal for environmentalists, farmers, scientists, and food enthusiasts seeking sustainable solutions to climate change. It also appeals to readers interested in soil biology, regenerative agriculture, or the intersection of food systems and ecology. Ohlson’s accessible style makes complex scientific concepts engaging for general audiences.

Is *The Soil Will Save Us* worth reading?

Yes—it’s praised for transforming perceptions of soil from “dirt” to a vital climate ally. Experts like Bill McKibben endorse its message, and it’s lauded for making soil science actionable through real-world examples of farmers and researchers successfully sequestering carbon. Critics note its optimistic tone but acknowledge its compelling call to rethink agriculture.

How does soil capture carbon according to Kristin Ohlson?

Ohlson explains that soil microorganisms convert carbon dioxide from plant roots into stable soil organic matter. Regenerative practices—like no-till farming, cover cropping, and managed grazing—enhance this process by fostering microbial activity. Healthy soils act as a “massive biological machine,” storing carbon and improving resilience against droughts and floods.

What farming methods does *The Soil Will Save Us* recommend?

The book advocates for regenerative techniques: - **No-till farming** to avoid disturbing soil structure. - **Cover cropping** to prevent erosion and feed microbes. - **Rotational grazing** to mimic natural herbivore patterns. These methods rebuild soil carbon, boost biodiversity, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs.

What role do microorganisms play in soil health?

Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, exchanging nutrients for carbon. They create humus, a carbon-rich substance that improves soil fertility and water retention. Ohlson likens healthy soil to a “coral reef” teeming with life, emphasizing its role in sustaining ecosystems and mitigating climate change.

How does *The Soil Will Save Us* address climate change critiques?

While optimistic, the book acknowledges skepticism about scaling regenerative agriculture. Ohlson counters by showcasing success stories, such as ranchers reversing desertification and farmers increasing yields without chemicals. She argues that soil restoration offers a tangible, underutilized tool for carbon drawdown.

What are the main criticisms of *The Soil Will Save Us*?

Some critics argue the book oversimplifies challenges like transitioning global agricultural systems and understates political/economic barriers. Others note its focus on anecdotal evidence over systemic analysis. However, most agree it effectively sparks dialogue about soil’s untapped potential.

The Soil Will Save Us Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

The Soil Will Save Us

Kristin Ohlson

4.14 (1417 Reviews)

Environment Science Economics

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Could the answer to climate change be right beneath our feet? "The Soil Will Save Us" reveals how regenerative agriculture pioneers are harnessing soil's carbon-capturing superpowers. Featured in the award-winning documentary "Kiss The Ground," Ohlson's hopeful vision sparked grassroots environmental movements worldwide.

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Best quote from The Soil Will Save Us

We've drunk half, but we can refill it.

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The Soil Will Save Us isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Environment. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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The Soil Will Save Us

Kristin Ohlson

4.14 (1417 Reviews)

Environment Science Economics

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary8min

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive42min

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card8 insights

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun23min

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

Best quote from The Soil Will Save Us

We've drunk half, but we can refill it.

More Like This

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Sandrine Dixson-Decleve & Club of Rome

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6 sources

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Key Takeaways

The Soil Beneath Our Feet: Earth's Overlooked Climate Solution

00:00

The answer to our climate crisis might be hiding in plain sight-or rather, just beneath our feet. While politicians debate carbon taxes and engineers design elaborate carbon capture technologies, the most efficient system for removing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere has been operating for billions of years. Our soil isn't merely dirt-it's a living ecosystem with remarkable potential to reverse climate change. What's truly astonishing is how we've overlooked this solution while desperately searching elsewhere. The numbers tell a sobering story: through plowing, deforestation, and poor land management, humans have released 50-80 billion tons of carbon from soil into the atmosphere. Until the 1950s, most excess atmospheric carbon dioxide came not from burning fossil fuels but from how we treated our land. Yet this problem is reversible. As soil scientist Rattan Lal puts it: "Soil carbon is like a cup of water. We've drunk half, but we can refill it." When a ton of carbon enters soil, it removes over three tons of CO2 from the atmosphere-a powerful multiplier effect that could potentially sequester 3 billion tons of carbon annually.

The Original Carbon Traders: Plants and Their Microbial Partners

Nature's Choreography: What Wild Herds Teach Us About Land Restoration

The North Dakota Revolution: Growing Carbon While Increasing Profits

Beyond Carbon: The Multiple Benefits of Healthy Soil

Breaking Down Barriers: Finding Common Ground on the Land

Hope Beneath Our Feet: Becoming Soil Stewards

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary

The Soil Will Save Us Summary in 8 Minutes

Break down key ideas from The Soil Will Save Us into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

00:00

Flash Card

Top 8 Insights from The Soil Will Save Us in a Nutshell

Distill The Soil Will Save Us into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Fun

The Soil Will Save Us Lessons Told Through 23-Min Stories

Experience The Soil Will Save Us through vivid storytelling that turns innovation lessons into moments you'll remember and apply.

00:00

Personalize

Experience The Soil Will Save Us in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

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The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson Summary

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The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson Summary

Overview of The Soil Will Save Us

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More Like This

Key Takeaways

The Soil Beneath Our Feet: Earth's Overlooked Climate Solution

The Original Carbon Traders: Plants and Their Microbial Partners

Nature's Choreography: What Wild Herds Teach Us About Land Restoration

The North Dakota Revolution: Growing Carbon While Increasing Profits

Beyond Carbon: The Multiple Benefits of Healthy Soil

Breaking Down Barriers: Finding Common Ground on the Land

Hope Beneath Our Feet: Becoming Soil Stewards

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to The Soil Will Save Us Summary in 8 Minutes

Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from The Soil Will Save Us in a Nutshell

Fun Mode - The Soil Will Save Us Lessons Told Through 23-Min Stories

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to The Soil Will Save Us Summary in 0 Minutes

Download The Soil Will Save Us PDF

Download The Soil Will Save Us EPUB

More Like This

Key Takeaways

The Soil Beneath Our Feet: Earth's Overlooked Climate Solution

The Original Carbon Traders: Plants and Their Microbial Partners

Nature's Choreography: What Wild Herds Teach Us About Land Restoration

The North Dakota Revolution: Growing Carbon While Increasing Profits

Beyond Carbon: The Multiple Benefits of Healthy Soil

Breaking Down Barriers: Finding Common Ground on the Land

Hope Beneath Our Feet: Becoming Soil Stewards