Objective 

To explore how everyday food choices connect to soil processes, land systems, and societal decisions. 


Step 1 – Capture Your Plate 

Take a photo of a recent meal, snack, or drink. 

It can be simple: 

  • breakfast 
  • lunch 
  • coffee and bread 
  • takeaway meal 

Upload the photo to the forum. 


Step 2 – Trace the Soil Connections 

In 3–5 sentences, reflect on the soil behind the ingredients. 

Consider questions such as: 

  • Which ingredients likely depended on soil? 
  • What landscapes or farming systems might they come from? 
  • What soil functions supported their production (nutrients, water retention, biodiversity)? 

You do not need exact answers. The aim is to reveal how much of soil remains invisible in everyday life. 


Step 3 – Identify the Hidden Actors 

Briefly consider: 

Who helped bring this meal to your plate? 

Examples may include: 

  • farmers 
  • food processors 
  • retailers 
  • policymakers 
  • transport systems 


Step 4 – Engage with Others 

Comment on one other post in the forum. 

You may reflect on: 

  • similarities or differences in ingredients 
  • possible land-use systems 
  • surprising soil connections 


Reflection – Soil Diary 

Briefly reflect: 

Did you usually associate this meal with soil before this exercise? 

Has this perspective changed how you see food in daily life? 

Write your reflections in your Soil Diary.