The Gaia hypothesis (aka Gaia paradigm, theory, etc.) was formulated in the 1970s by chemist James Lovelock and co-developed with Lynn Margulis, a microbiologist. The concept's main idea is that all Earth systems interact synergistically to self-regulate interactions that perpetuate life-sustaining conditions on Earth.  Another way of thinking about it is to consider Earth as a living organism with many inter-related systems, akin to our own bodies that have many organs and processes that keep us alive and help us heal from injuries and illnesses.  

​

The notion works well in soil science since there are many complex aspects to soil and, like Earth, soil-plant systems have many inter-related natural processes that build soil health and function. When people manage cropping systems by mimicking nature and allowing soil to self-regulate and heal itself, we can rapidly gain fantastic benefits like nutrient cycling, builing soil organic matter, and increasing water infiltration and storage capacity.  Our services help producers grow bountiful crops while gaining soil health and all the lovely co-benefits.  Besides, as the Gaia hypothesis implies, people are an integral part of the Earth and soil-plant systems too.