Far from being "dirty," soil is one of our most important tools for fighting climate change. Unearthed: Five Things You Didn't Know About Dirt

: Trees and plants actually communicate through a complex network of fungi called mycorrhizae . This hidden "internet" allows them to share nutrients, water, and even chemical warnings about pests.

: Soil acts like a library of Earth's past. By studying its layers and colors, scientists can read stories of ancient climates, volcanic eruptions, and even the rise and fall of civilizations.