September 30, 2020
Increased rainfall over the last decade that meteorologists have attribute to climate change has caused steep levels of erosion. Soil scientists warned in 2015 that Earth's topsoil was practically gone, and now, five years later, the world inches close to that cliff.
Enter a start-up business in Portland, Oregon, called Topsoil Top Goal, whose mission is to preserve the precious skin of Mother Earth. Founder Latandra Howard told us that they "have planted a lot of ground cover like grass. [They] have gone all around Portland assessing homes and businesses fro proper draining systems." For the ones that didn't have good drainage, Topsoil Top Goal added it so that the water could flow to sewers and main water systems.
"We have also created awareness among children and young adults," Howard added, "starting with Mayor Ellis Whitman." They went to the mayor's house in SE Portland, installing rain gardens that handled water runoff from his roof. "Erosion is a big part of topsoil loss," Whitman said, "and Topsoil Top Goal helped me install erosion controls to control topsoil loss."
The issue of topsoil retention is key to human survival, as we cannot grow food without it. Latandra Howard's new company is not only working to reduce erosion, they also partner with the city, who have run a highly successful composting program since 2012. When Latandra's company installs rain drainage systems, bioswales, and rain gardens, the city also provides topsoil and compost for new planting. This is a partnership that will help our city blossom.
Hi Finn and A-Lo, my name is Alialani and I'm an 8th grader from Punahou School in Hawaii. You wrote such a great article! Oregon is a beautiful state, and it's sad to find out that in 2020, it's topsoil will be almost completely diminished. By reading this, I learned so much. Now I know the importance of topsoil to everyone everywhere. Thank you so much for the new information. Aloha! (that means hello and goodbye!)
ReplyDeleteHi A-Lo and Finn,
ReplyDeleteI am Nicole, an 8th grader from Punahou School. Thank you so much for sharing your post about topsoil erosion. I wasn't even aware that this was a problem! I now know the topsoil is essential for gardening and if it erodes, it will create run-off and pollute sewers and water systems. Great job!