In an unconventional scientific study, soil ecologist Franz Bender and a team of researchers engaged 1,000 citizen scientists in Switzerland to bury and retrieve underwear as part of a soil health experiment. This initiative, aimed at exploring the dynamics of soil ecosystems, earned the researchers an Ig Nobel Prize in 2021 for its unique approach to scientific inquiry.
The results of the study, published in Plants People Planet in August 2026, revealed intriguing findings as participants unearthed their buried underwear, often finding them significantly decomposed by underground microbes. Bender emphasized the eye-opening experience for individuals when confronted with the vitality of soil and the unseen life within it.
The initiative, which originated in Canada with the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario in 2015, evolved into a national campaign dubbed “Soil Your Undies.” This playful yet educational endeavor aimed to raise awareness about soil health and the importance of viewing soil as a living ecosystem.
The Swiss project, inspired by the Canadian roots, garnered widespread attention after a successful media campaign that led to the recruitment of over 1,000 citizen scientists. Participants were provided with organic cotton underwear, teabags for comparison, and detailed instructions on burying the items in designated locations across Switzerland.
Upon excavation after four and eight weeks, the researchers observed varying degrees of decomposition based on the soil types. Private gardens exhibited the most significant breakdown of the underwear due to nutrient-rich and biologically active environments, while lawns showed less decomposition due to lower biological activity.
Bender highlighted the importance of soil health and the role it plays in sustaining life on Earth. The study not only provided valuable scientific insights but also served as a creative and engaging method to spark public interest in soil biology and environmental conservation. Ultimately, Bender and his team’s unconventional experiment successfully combined scientific inquiry with public engagement, emphasizing the vital role of soil in our ecosystem.
