Explore Soil’s Chemical and Ecological Complexity

Beneath our feet lies a world of violence, death, and renewal — the soil. This program takes viewers deep inside soil’s unseen realm, focusing on how it sustains plant and animal life. A wide array of fungi, microorganisms, insects, and small animals are examined, illustrating the roles they play in the development of root systems and eventually the farms and forests humans need to survive. Highlighting the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides, the program shows that the medium in which life grows and dies is more than the sum of its parts, and that, although the true importance of soil is rarely visible, it must not be taken for granted. Duration: 46 minutes. Note: Available to customers in the U.S., Canada, and Asia only.