Chapter 23: Forgotten Biology | An EcoFarmers Discovery Audiobook Companion Podcast
EcoFarm AotearoaShow Notes
An EcoFarmer’s Discovery Chapter 23 Forgotten Biology
Welcome to An EcoFarmer’s Discovery: The Companion Podcast, where every Friday we dive into one chapter of Ewan Campbell’s journey.
In this episode, Stephen and Ewan explore Chapter 23: Forgotten Biology, focusing on the overlooked role of cyanobacteria in soil health and agricultural systems.
Often misunderstood as toxic “blue-green algae,” cyanobacteria are usually associated with polluted waterways and animal poisoning events. But the discussion reveals a very different side to these ancient organisms, highlighting their powerful role in nutrient cycling, soil biology, and ecosystem regeneration. Ewan explains how certain marine-derived cyanobacteria can function within soil environments, supporting biological processes that modern agriculture has largely ignored. The conversation challenges common perceptions and explores why many soils today may not be biologically balanced enough for these organisms to thrive.
By looking deeper into the relationship between ocean biology and land systems, the episode raises an important question: what critical parts of soil ecology have been forgotten along the way?
We discuss:• Why cyanobacteria are often misunderstood in agriculture• The difference between toxic blooms and beneficial soil species• How ocean-based biology can function in soil systems• Why modern soils may struggle to support these organisms• The potential role of cyanobacteria in regenerative farming
Hosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan Campbell Powered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – www.efa.nz
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