Scientists from the University of Zurich and Agroscope launched a citizen science initiative called Proof by Underpants in 2021 to investigate soil biodiversity and raise public awareness about underground ecosystems. The project asked 1,000 volunteers to bury more than 2,000 pairs of cotton underwear and 12,000 tea bags at approximately 1,000 sites throughout Switzerland. After two months, participants excavated the materials, documented their condition through photographs, and submitted samples along with soil data to researchers for analysis.
The study, published in Plants, People, Planet, produced a comprehensive map of biological activity across Swiss soils by measuring how quickly the buried cotton decomposed. Decomposition rates served as a straightforward proxy for underground organism activity, since more active soil ecosystems broke down the material faster. The research revealed significant variation in biological activity depending on land use type. Private gardens exhibited the fastest decomposition and the highest levels of organic matter, supporting robust populations of earthworms, fungi, and bacteria. Lawns showed the lowest organism activity, while agricultural fields and meadows fell between these extremes.
Land use emerged as the strongest factor influencing decomposition rates, outweighing many measured soil characteristics. The findings demonstrated that soil management practices substantially affect both biological activity and soil quality. Chemical properties, particularly nutrient levels, also significantly influenced decomposition speed. Rapid decomposition typically correlated with fertile soil and abundant nutrients, which can benefit agricultural productivity but may indicate nutrient imbalances in natural ecosystems like forests. Temperature and moisture conditions further influenced soil organism activity levels.
Researchers identified management practices that promote soil health, including maintaining permanent soil coverage, incorporating compost, implementing diverse crop rotations, and reducing reliance on mineral fertilizers and pesticides. The project suggested developing an “underwear index” to help the public understand soil processes and recognize the importance of soil conservation.
The initiative demonstrated the value of citizen science, as studying 1,000 locations would have been logistically challenging without volunteer participation. The project generated one of Switzerland’s most comprehensive soil life datasets, with contributions spanning every region of the country. Approximately 240 citizen scientists received co-authorship credit on the resulting publication, and participants received personalized soil analysis results and management recommendations.
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