Illustration of soil creatures — earthworms, mites, beetles, and fungi — living in rich underground soil

Soil4Kids

Short scientific articles about soil biodiversity —
written for young readers in 32 languages.

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Articles

Languages

123+

Translators

2020

Since

Explore the underground world

Peer-reviewed science, made accessible for young readers.

Earthworms of the world

14 languages Read article

Belowground mountaineers: Critters living in mountain soils

13 languages Read article

Dirt is not dead — land use and living soil

8 languages Read article

About the project

Soil4Kids translates peer-reviewed soil biodiversity research into accessible short articles for young readers. Topics span decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil animals, fungi, plant–soil interactions, and more.

🌿 What lives in the soil?
🌿 How do soils support ecosystems?
🌿 Why does biodiversity matter underground?
🌿 How do soil organisms interact with plants?
🌿 What can we do to protect soil health?

Explore articles in all languages

Project Info

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr Malte Jochum
Running since: 2020
Awards: Werner and Inge Grüter Prize for Science Communication 2025 · Transfer Prize, Leipzig University 2025
Team: Elisabeth Bönisch · Romy Zeiss · Rémy Beugnon · Helen Phillips · Stefan Bernhardt · and many more
Hosted by: University of Würzburg — Global Change Ecology
Published on: Frontiers for Young Minds