The Economic Times

University of Idaho buried cotton underwear in 34 Idaho fields for eight weeks; soil microbes broke down the cotton as a simple soil-health test

The University of Idaho employs an innovative cotton underwear test to assess soil health by monitoring how the fabric decomposes over an eight-week period. This unique method highlights microbial activity in the soil, which is crucial for nurturing plant growth and minimizing the need for synthetic inputs. Gardeners can adopt similar low-impact strategies, gradually enriching their soil quality through consistent organic matter applications.