A novel method of assessing soil health has taken root in Switzerland, where volunteers buried thousands of pairs of cotton underwear to gauge how well the soil supports vital microbial life. This quirky approach not only provides insights into soil fertility but also encourages sustainable soil management practices.
- Cotton underwear decomposition indicates soil microbial activity
- Swiss citizen scientists buried 2,000 pairs across 1,000 locations
- Private gardens showed highest soil health, lawns the lowest
What happened
Starting as a grassroots initiative in Canada, farmers began burying cotton underpants to test their soil's microbial life. This method caught on internationally with diverse groups using it to monitor soil health in a hands-on, accessible way. In 2021, Swiss researchers partnered with the University of Zurich and enlisted 1,000 volunteers to bury over 2,000 pairs of underwear along with tea bags as part of a large-scale citizen science project called “Proof by Underpants.”
After two months underground, the fabric’s decomposition rates were analyzed, revealing differences in soil quality across various environments in Switzerland—from private gardens to lawns, agricultural fields, and meadows. The researchers published their findings in 2026, emphasizing that soil management heavily influences microbial activity and overall soil vitality.
Why it feels good
This cheeky experiment not only makes soil science approachable but also demonstrates how simple actions can foster big insights about the environment. Farmers like Norm Lamothe from Ontario used similar techniques to transform their farming practices, incorporating crop rotation and sustainable grazing to improve soil quality over time. This kind of empowerment through citizen involvement encourages stewardship of the land and raises awareness about the unseen life beneath our feet.
Moreover, knowing that billions of microbes thrive in healthy soil—more than the world’s human population packed into just a teaspoon—helps us appreciate the complexity and resilience of natural ecosystems. These microbes support plant growth, nutrient cycling, and water retention, which are crucial for food production and climate resilience.
What to enjoy or watch next
For garden enthusiasts and environmentally conscious individuals interested in participating, the “Soil Your Undies” campaign is available in many regions, including official resources provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It offers a fun, hands-on way to check soil vitality at home or on community plots.
Looking ahead, further research based on citizen science projects like “Proof by Underpants” is expected to refine soil health indicators and promote sustainable land use globally. Keep an eye out for workshops and community events that teach soil care, and consider trying this lighthearted experiment yourself to connect with the ground beneath your feet.