The soil is where it all begins, where it all ends, and finds a new beginning. The circle of life is driven by the living creatures under our feet; just one tablespoon of fertile soil contains more microbes than people on earth.

To get a good harvest, one must take care of the microorganisms in the soil. At Losæter, organic material is composted and then added to the soil. The compost contains enormous amounts of microorganisms, which are ready to help the plants with, among other things, nutrient supply, defense against diseases and transport of water. In exchange for these services, the microorganisms gets sugary substances from the plants, through photosynthesis. The microorganisms are therefore stimulated by having living plants in the soil throughout the year. At the same time, the plants protect the soil.

Through photosynthesis, the plants and the microorganisms do another important task. The plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (where is causes problems), which microorganisms then transform into carbonaceous substances stored in the soil, causing plant life to thrive. The plants in cooperation with the  microorganisms can remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Agriculture that takes care of the microorganisms in the soil is therefore an important solution to the climate crisis.

Read more about urban agriculture in  Oslo:

www.oslo.kommune.no/spirendeoslo

More than 50 farmers from Oslo and surroundings donated soil to Losæter and contributed hence to the biodiversity at Losæter. Photo: Futurefarmers, 2015.