Gather new moss

Scientists are delving into the mysteries and miracles of moss. They’ve found that, in areas of undisturbed native vegetation systems, the soils where mosses grow show increased nutrient recycling, decomposition of organic matter and control of harmful pathogens. Working with scientists from around the world, Dr David Eldridge, from the University of New South Wales, says mosses may be capable of countering carbon dioxide emissions by 6:1 compared to bare soils, by reabsorbing the CO2 in a natural ‘carbon capture’ scheme. Further research will explore if mosses can create healthy soils as efficiently in urban environments, and how reintroducing mosses into degraded soil might hasten the regeneration process. The results could have us all throwing out our pressure hoses forever!

Text by Sally Feldman
Photo by Rob Davis (DBCA)