1.5 — Culture
Soils in recreation and spiritual connection
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Wellbeing and recreation
One of the cultural ecosystem services of soil is linked to direct bodily and sensory engagement with soil-based environments. For example: How does it feel for you to spend time in nature, such as in a garden or park?
In some communities, the intentional eating of specific soils or clays (geophagy) carries cultural and symbolic meanings, including associations with fertility, protection, and ancestral connections, especially for pregnant women. In these contexts, soil can function as a traditional medicinal or spiritual substance, believed to soothe digestive problems, supplement minerals, or maintain cultural identity.
Furthermore, research shows that active engagement with soil, such as gardening, can support both mental and physical wellbeing. Such activities are often associated with relaxation and mental restoration. Outdoor recreation, including walking, hiking, or cycling, is also linked to positive health effects (Brevik et al., 2018).
Right: © Hiking path by Sabine Huber, BOKU University