The importance of soil and its preservation is the subject of a photo-film, titled: The Ground Beneath Your Feet launched by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) during Global Soil Week.

The photo-film looks at how in Lushoto, Tanzania the sloping hillsides support high biodiversity as well as a range of agricultural production, including beans, sugarcane, cassava and agroforestry. Such diversity of crops “takes a toll on the soils” and “without replacing nutrients in the soil, or managing soils on the steep slopes better, Lushoto’s diversity will likely disappear.”

Using the Land Degradation Surveillance Framework originally designed by the World Agroforestry Centre, CIAT and partners are measuring a range of soil health indicators in Lushoto. This is helping to inform what crops can grow where and how well. Researchers are also able to advise farmers on inputs and management strategies that can improve soil health and overall agricultural productivity.

Read the full story on CIAT’s blog: New photo-film: mapping soil diversity in Tanzania

Click here to watch the photo-film