Plants grow in it. Pigs wallow in it. And termites build with it. Healthy soil supports a great part of life on Earth. That’s why scientists are concerned about soil erosion and the loss of nutrients caused by certain farming practices, cutting down forests, and building homes and roads.

In the last 40 years, one-third of North America’s topsoil has washed off the land. And it’s ended up in waterways where it can cloud freshwater streams and smother incredibly diverse coral reefs. Supporting soil health and stability may sound dull as dirt … but it’s key to sustaining productive farmland and a diversity of life for the future.

What's Your Soil IQ?:
Play along with Bernie to get the dirt on soil! See if you can answer his eight questions and become a soil expert.