In a unique scientific endeavor, Franz Bender, a Swiss soil ecologist, engaged a team of 1,000 citizen scientists in burying and later uncovering underwear across various locations in Switzerland. The purpose was to gain insights into soil dynamics and health. This unconventional research initiative, which culminated in an Ig Nobel Prize in September 2021, revealed intriguing findings for both the researchers and participants.
The experiment unveiled that underground microbes had significantly decomposed the buried underwear, showcasing the vibrant life within the soil. Bender, from the Agroscope agricultural research center in Zurich, emphasized the eye-opening experience for participants upon discovering the extent of microbial activity in the soil.
The study, detailed in Plants People Planet in August 2026, traced its origins to Canada, where the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario pioneered burying underwear in fields. This initiative evolved into the national “Soil Your Undies” campaign in 2017, aiming to raise awareness about soil health and the ecosystem it supports.
Bender’s project in Switzerland attracted over 1,400 applications from citizen scientists, necessitating a geographically diverse selection process. Volunteers received organic cotton underwear, teabags for comparison, and detailed instructions on burying and monitoring the items. A dedicated smartphone app facilitated data collection and additional input from participants throughout the experiment.
The findings revealed that gardens exhibited the highest decomposition rates of the underwear due to their enriched soil conditions, while lawns showed minimal decomposition, emphasizing the impact of soil biological activity on decomposition rates. Surprisingly, farm soils displayed lower decomposition levels than anticipated, highlighting the complexity of soil health dynamics.
Bender emphasized the critical role of soil in sustaining life and highlighted the need for greater understanding and protection of this vital resource. The study garnered global media attention, underscoring the effectiveness of unconventional methods in raising awareness about soil science.
Experts such as Asim Biswas and Joann Whalen lauded the study for its innovative approach and advocacy for soil health. They emphasized the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the underwear method in gauging soil biological activity, offering a practical alternative to traditional lab tests.
Furthermore, the Soil Conservation Council of Canada endorsed the method, providing guidelines for interested individuals. Notably, the exhumed Swiss underwear will be repurposed into fashion items, showcasing the interdisciplinary impact of this groundbreaking research.