More than 1,000 volunteers buried cotton underwear across Switzerland.

The experiment aimed to measure the biological activity of different soils by observing how quickly the fabric decomposed. Gardens showed the fastest decomposition, indicating high soil activity, while lawns had the least, revealing a stark contrast in land management impacts on soil life.

This simple test revealed that gardens have more active soil ecosystems compared to lawns, highlighting the effects of human intervention on natural processes.

The long-term vulnerability lies in understanding how different land uses affect soil health. This knowledge is crucial for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity preservation.

What are the immediate real estate and economic risks?

Landowners should consider the biological activity of their soils when planning agricultural or landscaping projects. Higher soil activity can lead to better crop yields but may also require more intensive management practices.

The outlook is neutral, with potential benefits for those who manage land sustainably.