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The visible world we are living in is a manifestation of an invisible world: the world of the soil. Brimming with diverse life forms, the vibrant invisible world beneath us is just another biosphere in itself that we call the pedosphere. The pedosphere is not uniform throughout the planet; it comprises diverse ecosystems influencing the entire planetary life. A pinch of fertile soil teems with millions of living organisms. For instance, a mere teaspoon of native grassland soil shelters between 600 million and 800 million bacteria, spanning approximately 10,000 species. Fungi, measuring miles in length, coexist in that same teaspoon, along with 10,000 individual protozoa and 20 to 30 beneficial nematodes representing up to 100 species. The realms of monera, protista, and fungi kingdoms find their dwelling in the soil. Numerous plants, including algae, contribute to the rich tapestry of life within the soil, as do a myriad of animals, ranging from small larvae and earthworms to larger reptiles and mammals. The soil ecosystem is a vibrant mosaic of life, and it serves as the foundational support for life above ground. The well-being of the visible world depends fundamentally on the health and prosperity of this hidden subterranean life. In Hindu philosophy, soil is held sacred, echoing an ancient proverb among traditional Indian farmers: "Feed not the plants, but feed the soil, so that the soil itself nourishes the plants." The soil is perceived as a living system, an ecosystem, and nurturing it is seen as a moral obligation.

Productivity is, in fact, an ecosystem function. Soil fertility arises from the intricate web of decomposition processes orchestrated by microorganisms within the soil. The greater the population and diversity of these microorganisms, the higher the fertility of the soil ecosystem, leading to increased productivity. Soil fertility is intricately linked to biodiversity, and this relationship extends to above-ground ecosystems. Biodiversity within the soil is imperative for enhanced carbon sequestration. This, in turn, contributes to the reduction of global warming and aids in mitigating climate change. Remarkably, the soils of the world store twice as much carbon as the entire plant biomass globally. Soil without carbon is no soil; it turns into a dead surface. It is photosynthesis that by incorporating carbon into soil infuses life into the invisible world of the soil. Thus, there is a direct connection between the soil ecosystem and the above-soil ecosystem. This carbon capture by the soil is indispensable for maintaining environmental balance and the climate equilibrium of our planet. Contrary to the common notion that soil is a mere inexpensive resource, it is, in reality, the most precious one – a sacred foundation for the well-being and sustainability of life on Earth. The combined actions of chemosynthesis, pedogenesis, and photosynthesis give rise to a remarkable interconnected "substance" encompassing the rhizosphere, pedosphere, and phytosphere, respectively. These spheres maintain a continuous flow of air, water, and nutrients, intricately linked through three distinct phenomena. Someone has rightly said, your smile is directly proportional to soil fertility. Your sustainable and happy future flows from fertile soil. Authored by: Vir Singh

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