Assistant Professor of Soil Science and Restoration Ecology California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, California
Soils are an easily overlooked part of nature because they are often physically hidden from view. Looking beneath the surface reveals soils as a beautiful natural wonder that exist in a variety of colors, shapes, and forms. The complexity of the soil environment creates unique habitats for some of the most biodiverse communities on Earth and provides fundamental ecosystem functions that support humanity. In this talk, I will discuss the diversity, complexity, and heterogeneity of soils across landscapes. Together, we will explore how each soil is unique, arising from dynamic interactions between parent material, climate, topography, organisms, and time. I will describe how soil scientists study soil formation and how this informs our understanding of soil arthropod communities. I will then reflect on how artistic exploration can further advance our understanding of and appreciation for soil life. Both art and science are processes by which we come to understand the world around us. I create art inspired by and made with soil as a practice to learn more about soils and their inhabitants. I also share my creative process and the resulting artwork as a mechanism to communicate the wonder and value of soils and soil biodiversity to wide audiences. Here, I will describe my experience weaving together soil science, art, and communication and provide a framework for future efforts.