New Acoustic Method Reveals Hidden Health of Soil Ecosystems

Researchers use underground soundscapes to assess biodiversity and soil vitality, offering a promising tool for conservation and agriculture.

Studies show that healthy soils emit complex soundscapes, indicative of diverse invertebrate communities.
Acoustic monitoring has proven as effective as traditional methods for assessing soil health, but is less invasive and costly.
The research highlights the critical state of global soils, with 75% currently degraded.
Eco-acoustics could democratize soil health monitoring, making it accessible for wider use in conservation and farming.
Future applications may include using sound frequencies to enhance soil health and promote beneficial microbial growth.