Swiss Government Is Asking People To Bury Underwear—Maybe You Should Do It Too

Bury your underwear, watch it vanish, and uncover the secrets of vibrant, healthy soil!

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• September 19, 2024

Soil quality is fundamental to environmental health, influencing everything from agricultural productivity to natural ecosystems.

Understanding and maintaining healthy soil is crucial for sustainable living, as it supports plant growth, regulates water, and houses countless organisms vital for ecological balance. Recognizing the importance of soil, the Swiss government has initiated an innovative project to engage citizens in assessing and improving soil quality across the country.

Starting in April 2024, Swiss residents are invited to participate in the "Beweisstück Unterhose," or "Exhibit Underpants," study. This initiative marks the project's second phase, a collaborative effort involving the University of Zurich, the Federal Office of Agriculture, and various Swiss cantons.

The project seeks to gather comprehensive data on soil health by involving everyday citizens in a simple yet effective experiment. Participation in the study is straightforward. Interested individuals can download the official app designed for the project.

Once registered, participants will be asked to bury a pair of their old, purely cotton underwear in their garden or a designated outdoor area. The task involves digging a hole 30 centimeters deep and placing the underwear into the ground.

After burying the undergarments, participants will use their mobile phones to log the exact location of the buried items with the authorities. The experiment does not end with the burial.

After a while, participants will be invited to retrieve their underwear from the soil. Upon excavation, they will take photographs to document the extent of degradation their garments have undergone during their time underground.

This visual evidence will help the government compile a nationwide archive of soil health indicators based on how well the underwear has been broken down.

Those interested in participating can download the study's official app.

The rationale behind using underwear as a tool for soil analysis is rooted in the biological activity within the soil. According to the Federal Office for the Environment, this experiment effectively analyzes soil health and educates children and parents about the importance of fertile soil.

Healthy soil is teeming with life, including earthworms, springtails, nematodes, mites, fungi, and bacteria. These organisms play critical roles in decomposing organic matter and maintaining soil fertility. They also help produce food, ensure clean water, and protect against natural hazards.

If the buried underwear remains intact mainly after the study period, it indicates that the soil lacks sufficient biological activity. This lack of decomposition suggests unhealthy soil conditions, as insufficient soil organisms break down organic materials and maintain soil quality.

In such cases, the project provides participants various techniques to improve their soil, promote better environmental practices, and enhance local ecosystems.

If your underwear decomposes fast, your land is thriving!

If the underwear is significantly degraded, the soil is vibrant and full of life. Healthy soil can support diverse plant and animal life, contributing to a robust and sustainable environment.

The project's success relies on widespread participation, as the collective data will offer a detailed overview of soil health across different regions of Switzerland.

The official website provides detailed information and registration for those interested in this unique project. Participating in the "Exhibit Underpants" study allows Swiss residents to actively contribute to protecting and improving the nation’s soil quality.

This initiative aims to enhance environmental health and foster a collective effort to create a more sustainable future for future generations. Every contribution counts, making it a significant opportunity to make a difference.

Even though this project is based in Switzerland, it might inspire you to check the soil in your yard. After all, we all have a few pairs of old underwear we could bury, right?

Damjan