Individual Interpersonal Workshops

As part of our research project we conducted one-on-one consultations with residents of the five boroughs of NYC: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. These interpersonal workshops allowed us to gain insight into the ways in which our urban community is engaging with their outdoor spaces, and provided an opportunity to educate them on the health of their soil. Upon the first meeting, a team member plotted areas of interest or concern on the resident’s property to sample. A thorough explanation of the sampling procedure was explained to the residents. Once the sample had been collected it was brought back to the lab for extraction and processed to determine the level of nutrients present in the soil. After processing, a profile of the results is generated and a diagnosis is provided to the participant and added to our map of local soil conditions. A final meeting with the residents is scheduled to review the results and discuss procedures and techniques to remedy any issues regarding their soil’s condition.

Human Practices

The primary goal of The Soiled research project is to educate the public on the importance of healthy soil, and in the process develop a safer, more accessible way to test its nutritional values. To accomplish this we created a personal dialog with the 60 residents of New York City. We recruited participants by reaching out via email; once we received replies, our team set up appointments to meet with interested participants at the sample collection sites. The Soiled Project is designed to facilitate opportunities to reach out to the public about the important role soil health plays in agriculture, and in turn promote personal sustainability through education and community.

Flatlands

I rode my bike to what is termed the Flatlands, arriving at an unusual place in Brooklyn. There were rows of small houses on both sides of the street that looked like a suburban community not native to New York City. The participant’s yard was covered in construction debris - stones, concrete slabs, and things of unknown origin. A peculiar old water pump of unknown origin was sitting in the middle of the yard. The collection of the sample was a challenge, but I was successful in obtaining a significant soil sample.

Secret Garden

This beautiful garden is secretly located in the heart of Clinton Hill. The owner of the garden has been working on it for 25 years. An experienced gardener, he gave me a brief overview of the different plants he has been growing here.

Mulberries

This location is covered in mulberries - I wondered whether this factor contributes to the lush carpet of grass or would interfere with the testing, which we discussed with the owner of the house.

Dry Soil

At this location, the yard is sitting under the shade of a huge maple tree. We are not recommended by soil sampling protocol to collect from under the tree but we still do since sometimes when there is no other option. Each yard is unique and equally important. There is no vegetation in this yard and the soil is tough and dry. I have to come up with alternative solutions for getting my samples. The power of my hand muscle is not enough to get through the surface using the auger. After stepping on the auger and pushing on with the weight of my body I finally get to the desired depth. The sample is taken and I briefly chat with the participant about the soil condition.

Bushwick constructions

I arrived at another location in Bushwick. This time the yard looks well developed, but the soil is covered with bark. I carefully remove the bark to expose the soil surface. Everywhere I look I see the sprouts of these huge vines suffocating the tree in the corner of the yard. The little pool in the center is partially covered with small white particles. I suggest that these are the part of styrofoam they use in construction next door. I share my story citing that the whole yard is being covered with styrofoam particles from a giant condo construction next to us. Somedays it looked like it was snowing. I called 311 4 times, I talked to supervisor of construction numerous times - nothing was done. I am off to my next location.

Shared NYC Property

I arrived on location to enter a rustic looking house in the middle of renovation. Three friends bought it together. This the only way in NYC to buy property with skyrocketing prices, one of them explains. The backyard is mostly concrete with some vegetation along the sides. It looks like an abandoned playground with different broken toys left from a previous owner.

Farthest Destination

After a long ride to Bay Ridge in a what felt like 90 degree weather, I finally make it to the farthest destination on our Soiled map. I am immediately offered a tall cold glass of water, which gives me a quick break to recuperate before proceeding to sampling. The garden is small but the participant has been working on it forever. So the soil has been altered from the original state to properly feed the plant life. We discuss how the dead reminiscence of the chopped tree could contribute over time to soil health. I carefully document all the details and moving on.

Prime Williamsburg Location

I was very excited to visit a yard in the prime location of Williamsburg. The participant works in one of very established restaurants in Lower East Side of Manhattan and brings different herbs to his small raised garden. He was very interested in getting the sample results since he wanted to expand his collection of herbs. Among others I got little samples of anise, miso and unusual basil to take home with me.