The word “Human” is derived from the Latin word “humus” meaning “of the ground” or “part of the earth”. We are literally described as “beings from the earth” and yet the way we have come to treat soils in Hampshire is often in a way that fails to respect their true value.

In about one tablespoon of healthy farmland in the south of England, it is possible to find up to ten billion micro-organisms. That is more than the entire world population of humans. Amongst the ten billion, only about one percent will have been given a name. Less is known about the identity of microscopic life in the soil than in any other ecosystem on the entire planet-and it matters because some could provide incredible medical breakthroughs or have unique ways of storing carbon dioxide to limit climate change. It can take up to 500 years for just one inch of topsoil to form. So, what we do to our soil in gardens and farmland really matters.

The soils we see in southern and central Hampshire have an incredible ability to store water and reduce flooding too. The best estimate is that a single acre of moderately well drained land with rich topsoil can store up to 9,200 tonnes of water. During extreme flood events that really matters. And it is no surprise to learn that heavily tilled and over-used soils on intensively farmed land can only store a fraction of the same water. It is no wonder that many of the serious recent floods across the county were exacerbated by very poor farming practices.

We rely so much on our soil. In the UK 95% of the food we eat has been grown on land and that land requires a nutritious soil for us to be able to harvest fruit and vegetables every year. Sadly, there is a perception that the land will go on giving if we apply the right fertilisers, when combined with herbicides and pesticides. It could not be further from the truth. Chemicals can only help in the short term; once a soil is exhausted it can take many years of careful management before it recovers enough to produce food again.

So what can you do to be a soil warrior for Hampshire? Can I suggest five simple actions to help make our county the best in the UK for soil health.

1) Grow your own and buy local organic standard.

Across the county local down has inspired many new budding gardeners to create space for producing fruit and veg. Learning to look after small areas of land and helping to create the perfect environment for food growing is also beneficial for micro-organisms as well as pollinating insects. If you don’t have space make sure you shop organically and locally for your fruit and veg.

2) Cover the soil.

During autumn and winter don’t leave the soil bare as the rain can wash out the nutrients. Create a winter “mulch” from last seasons crop; or use other green compost; even your peelings from prepared fruit and vegetables (as long as it is not too acidic, such as orange or lemon rind).

3) Compost.

Learn how to create your own compost or alternatively purchase an organic and peat free compost. Never use peat as it is better left in its natural upland home where it locks in huge amounts of carbon dioxide and water.

4) Shout about it.

Talk to farmers if you see muddy water drain fast off their land and mention the importance of soil conservation. Talk to your garden centre about banning peat sales and other non-organic products. Spend time working with your community and getting permission to grow fruit and veg on your street so that everyone can benefit.

5) Kick your shoes off.

Finally love your soil. Kick your shoes off and get up close and personal with the earth from time to time. Remember we are earth creatures. We are meant to connect to the soil and without it we would not be able to eat or breathe.