Contribution short abstract:

Soil color plays an important role in the assessment of soil health. This contribution examines the use of soil chromatography as a sensory method for participatory, public engagement with soils that can ideally lead to increased feelings of belonging and environmental responsibility.

Contribution long abstract:

Soil color plays an important role in the assessment of soil health and the interpretation of soil histories, vulnerabilities and potentials (cf. Landa, 2004 and Ugolini, 2010). Recent observations at contemporary art exhibitions, festivals, and residencies point to an increasing use of soil chromatography as a visual method for site assessment, communication and community building. Developed in the 1950s by Erenfried Pfeiffer, an associate of Rudolf Steiner, soil chromatography has been promoted in biodynamic farming circles as an easy and inexpensive method for visually analyzing the organic content, mineral make up and microbiological activity of a given soil (Pfeifer, 1984). To make a soil chromatogram, a soil sample is mixed with a solution of sodium hydroxide to break down the mineral and organic components of the soil. The mixture is then applied to a round filter paper treated with silver nitrate, resulting in a radial image of channels and spikes that emerges as different components of the soil are soaked up at different rates. While the technique has long been abandoned by the soil scientific community because of its lack of statistical reliability, artists and environmental activists, such as Debra Solomon, Claire Pentecost and Scott Hunter, among others, have embraced the technique for its aesthetic potential as sensory means of public engagement. This contribution examines the use of soil chromatography as sensory method for participatory, public engagement with soils that can ideally lead to increased feelings of belonging and responsibility for soil health in gardens and farms, urban spaces, backyards, and beyond.