Episode 7.3: Exploring the unknown deep soils

Meet Michael Strickland and Zachary Kayler, associate professors in the Department of Soil and Water Systems at University of Idaho. They are leading a national contingency of scientists in building what amounts to huge terrariums at U of I, all to study a world that scientists still don’t understand — the deep soils under our feet.

Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. 

Today we are talking about soil, so I want you to imagine digging a hole. How do you think the soil might change as you dig farther and farther down?

In this episode Strickland and Kaylor discuss their innovative Deep Soil Ecotron project, which aims to explore the largely uncharted world of deep soils. These soils, extending tens to hundreds of feet underground, play a crucial role in carbon storage, nutrient cycling and ecosystem processes, but are difficult to study without disrupting their natural state. 

The team is developing an ecotron facility — a set of controlled environmental units — to house deep soil samples and simulate natural conditions. These high-tech systems allow for the manipulation of variables like soil temperature, moisture and atmospheric carbon dioxide, enabling researchers to study soil dynamics in a way that field settings cannot replicate. By addressing key questions about soil behavior and its role in climate resilience, the Deep Soil Ecotron has the potential to transform soil science and contribute to climate change mitigation strategies, benefiting both science and industry. 

Music

“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.

“Wanderlust” by Cody Martin via soundstripe.