# Stand with soils, not above them For those of us living life on land, soils are a constant companion. Step outside and we have access the soil, even if they may at first be hidden from view. Getting to know our local soils requires that we find ways to literally get beneath the surface. Vegetation, cement, and asphalt often obscure our ability to see and interact with soils directly. This is where **the art of soil observation** comes in. Soils are everywhere, waiting to be noticed, but we need to know what to look for. Soil scientists look for the [soil profile](https://yaminapressler.com/Website/hidden/Soils+form+in+profiles+and+horizons), the vertical cross-section of soil that reveals the layers beneath the surface. From a practical standpoint, we study the soil profile because soil features change with depth. The properties of the surface can be quite different than what's beneath. Digging a hole reveals layers of soil material that, when studied carefully, give us insight into how a soil formed. ![[AK-spodosol-composite.png]] *Observing a soil profile along a roadside in Alaska* I have convinced myself that soil scientists observe soils in profile view for more than just practical reasons. Observing the profile is a way of being with soil. When we observe soils in profile view, we orient ourselves next to the soil, rather than above it. Yet, in our day-to-day lives, our default position is walking on top of soil perhaps without giving it a second thought. When we interact with soils by looking down on them, we subtly reinforce the notion that humans are somehow above, better than, or more than soils. We can embody soil care by finding ways to stand with soil, rather than above it. The physicality of observing a soil profile can serve as a reminder to build a relationship with nature rather than separating ourselves from it. Rather than considering the soils "beneath my feet", I like to reframe this as the soils that support and ground me. "With" is the operative term here. Standing "with" soils means we are accompanied by soil, like an old friend, and loyal companion. The words we use can shift our mindset and conception of how we relate to soils. This is exactly the mindset we need to address the soil degradation crisis. #### Postscript > This essay was written by Dr. Yamina Pressler. The essay was originally shared with my [newsletter](https://buttondown.email/wonderofsoil) subscribers. *created December 5, 2024*