The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson Summary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ohlson suggests:

• Composting food waste to enrich soil.
• Supporting regenerative farms via purchases.
• Avoiding synthetic lawn chemicals.
• Gardening with diverse, deep-rooted plants.
  Small-scale actions collectively amplify soil’s capacity to sequester carbon.

Ohlson authored Sweet in Tooth and Claw (2022), exploring cooperation in nature, and collaborated on Kiss the Ground, a documentary about soil’s role in climate solutions. Her work consistently bridges ecology, food systems, and human behavior.