Dated: March 18, 2017
Remembering ‘76 and a Class About Dirt
Yesterday’s blog post about soil microbes reminded me of my college soil science class back in the fall of 1976. I was attending Sterling College, although at the time it was a far cry from the established institution it is today. Back then, it was a former prep school attempting to reinvent itself, offering a unique one-year program called The Grassroots Project in Vermont - a very ’70s endeavor.
I’ve written about my time at Sterling before, but never about my experience in “Dirt Class,” which was the actual name of the course. Our instructor, who told us to call him “Tar,” is pictured in the photo above.
Even though 1976 feels like ages ago, I distinctly recall the class being called “Dirt Class” and our teacher being named Tar. The photo clearly shows Tar holding a tetrahedron. I’m certain about these details because I wrote them on the back of the picture myself, back in 1976…
[Is it true that cursive writing is no longer taught in schools? Can anyone confirm?]
Tar was actually a University of Vermont professor who commuted to Sterling approximately once a week to teach our class of roughly 70 students.
As the tetrahedron suggests, the class focused on dirt - an inert medium.
To clarify, dirt comprises sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. It should not be mistaken for soil, which includes a rich diversity of living microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and micro-arthropods alongside sand, silt, clay, and organic matter, as Elaine Ingam often emphasizes.
Soil microorganisms can be either beneficial or harmful. Well-structured, aerated soils that haven’t been excessively tilled or subjected to synthetic chemicals promote beneficial microbial activity and, consequently, plant health.
Conversely, in poorly aerated, chemically-treated soils, harmful microorganisms thrive, creating an environment that hinders optimal plant growth.
Had Tar imparted knowledge about the complex web of life within the soil, it’s something I would have remembered. However, that wasn’t the case, though it wasn’t his fault. The understanding of soil biology was quite limited in 1976.
Considering the advancements made in the past 41 years, it wouldn’t be surprising if our current understanding of soil seems elementary in another 41 years.
Speaking of which, I’ll be celebrating my 100th birthday in 41 years (and everyone’s invited!).
I recall Tar as a good teacher who tried his best to make learning about dirt engaging. We never had any exams, only lectures.
The most memorable experience from Dirt Class was an exceptional autumn afternoon. As Tar was engrossed in explaining tetrahedrons, the sunlight streaming through the west windows of Simpson Hall turned a captivating shade of golden.
Our attention drifted towards the window, and Tar, noticing this, paused his lecture. Some students got up to take a closer look. The sunset over the common was breathtaking. Recognizing the moment, Tar exclaimed, “Let’s all go outside and enjoy the sunset!”
We all left Simpson Hall, crossed the road, and gathered on the common to admire the beauty of that place and that particular moment.
It was truly special.
For a bird’s-eye view of the picturesque Craftsbury Common, Vermont, during autumn, watch this YouTube clip…