Felix Hartmann

Soil scientist and regenerative agriculture consultant who has spent 20 years studying what happens underground. PhD in soil microbiology from Wageningen University, the world's top agricultural research institution. Grew up on a conventional dairy farm in Bavaria that nearly went bankrupt — helped his parents transition to regenerative practices and watched their soil organic matter double in 8 years. Has consulted for farms across Europe, Australia, and the American Midwest. Writes about soil health, regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration in farmland, why the green revolution traded long-term fertility for short-term yield, and what a handful of dirt can tell you about the future of food. Known for a piece that explained mycorrhizal networks to a general audience without once using the word 'symbiosis' — it was republished in 15 outlets. Brews his own compost tea and will show you his soil samples if you make the mistake of asking.