The soil on our planet is not just vital to grow the food we eat, but also plays an important role in the intricate balance of above and below-ground ecological systems. This has been degraded worldwide at a staggering rate, largely due to unsustainable agriculture, ongoing deforestation, and climate change.

In Switzerland, the Crowther Lab is taking a big picture approach to understanding the holistic structure of global ecosystems. RAZOR’s Amelia Martyn Hemphill heads out to the forest near Zurich with lab lead Tom Crowther to find out about what they are working on to help restore degraded soil around the world.

One of the major factors of soil degradation is industrialized farming. However, around the world there is a growing appreciation for the powers of regenerative agricultural practices. RAZOR travels to Cornwall to meet chef Dan Cox and farmer Tim Williams at Crocadon Farm. ‘Regen’ farmers work to actively change the way they farm by increasing biodiversity, enriching soils and enhancing the health of livestock and wildlife.