Over 850 Wake County fifth graders learned about soil as an important natural resource by entering “The Living Soil” poster contest sponsored by Wake Soil and Water Conservation District and Novozymes Green-Releaf Composting.

The posters that presented the best balance of accurate science and original artwork won 10 Wake County students top honors as well as a blue ribbon, a framed certificate and an invitation to the Wake County Commissioners’ and Wake District’s 44th Annual Conservation Awards Banquet.

Fifth grader Jackson Schafer from Holly Grove Elementary won for his winning entry “The Living Soil” poster. His interactive poster features Mr. Micro who on the right points out why he’s “Not diggin’ it!” when people treat their soil like dirt. For example when people park heavy machinery or walk a lot on soil—this squishes the pore space and compacts soil. People also over-plow soil, use chemicals that kill soil organisms and pollute groundwater, and pave over soil so that rain cannot seep into the ground, causing increased stormwater runoff. On the left side, Mr. Micro digs it when people treat soil like gold:

They conscientiously minimize compaction and pavingwherever possible, go chemical-free, and use no-till farming where seeds are slipped into the soil rather than overturning it with a plow.

Jackson was recognized as a Top Ten Winner before 200 guests at the 44th Annual Conservation Awards Banquet and received a framed certificate from the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District and Wake County Commissioners.

In spring, all Top Ten winners, their teachers and families will be treated to a field trip to Novozymes’ Green-Releaf Composting facility in Franklinton, N.C.