“Farmers have a natural tendency to develop a connection with their land as they rediscover its inherent need to heal.” – Jo Tobias
Our May Regen Reads Recommendation is an article written about Jo Tobias called “Leveraging the beneficial connections between plants and soil organisms”. Jo Tobias is the Founder of RootShoot Soils, and she aims to restore soil health through the use of robust composting techniques. Jo is a library of knowledge and a living compost expert. She is an advocate for jumpstarting dying soils with nutrient-rich compost that provides nourishment to soil biology and brings life back to the soil.
In the article by The Globe and Mail, “Leveraging the beneficial connections between plants and soil organisms”, Jo explains how most plant families have coevolved with mycorrhizal fungi, and how this fact should be at the forefront of farm decision-making when planning to regenerate soil structure and health. Jo compares a plant’s experience with the soil microbiome to a human’s experience to their gut microbiome — they both regulate immunities and contribute to a healthy body. Without a healthy microbiome, plants and human bodies alike are vulnerable to disease. It should be the goal of every producer to put their soil health first, and try a composting method that works for their context to continue building strength in their systems.
To learn more about Jo Tobias and her work, read The Globe and Mail article. You can also head to RootShoot Soils website to learn all about Jo Tobias and her vision.
Regen Reads is COG’s monthly regenerative agriculture reading list 📖