FRANKFORD, Del.- Many farmers across the country, including those on Delmarva, are participating in a challenge to promote healthy soil called the "Soil Your Undies" challenge.
In essence, farmers take a pair of 100 percent cotton underwear and bury them in the ground. In about a months time when the undies are uncovered, if the underwear has decomposed, it's a sign of healthy soil, as microbial organisms will be able to break down the organic material.
Ryan Richard, owner of East View Farms in Frankford, is a participant of the challenge, and says checking your soil this way is much more convenient.
"It's an easy way to test without having to send stuff to labs, or things like that. It's a way you can do it, basically whenever you want," he said.
Richard says sending soil off to labs can be time consuming, and expensive.
Additionally, many customers at East View Farms say they don't mind the challenge, including Rob Halminski, who's been frequenting the farm for years.
"I don't really care about the underwear, well maybe I do. As long as it does great produce, I'll go with that. That's great," he said.
To further encourage healthy soil, there will also be a Soil Health Field Day on Aug. 14 at Baxter Farms in Georgetown.
The challenge is in partnership with the Sussex Conservation District, as well as other local affiliates.