Diversitopia is a mid-sized city. It has recently bought a piece of land from a private owner. The previous land owner farmed the land, but the land has now been abandoned for over a decade. The farmland is approximately 500 hectares, or 2 square miles, and sits on top of a hill that overlooks a river. The office of city planning and the mayor are accepting proposals for how the land should be used. They are interested in sustainable planning and consider themselves a “green” city. They would like a project that encourages a diverse community of organisms, protects nutrient cycling, and maintains soil stability. Although the government is very interested in the scientific benefits of the project, it is not their only focus. They must also consider the cost to the city and the value it will provide to the citizens.

1. A way to cover the soil so it cannot wash or blow away?
2. A way to bind the soil below the ground?
3. A way that the soil will be enriched with additional nutrients?
4. A way for stopping eroded soil from washing into the river?
5. A way for stopping eroded soil from washing into the river?