Living Soil - Best Advice Ever Get About

Living Soil

Soil is the foundation of any garden. It holds the seeds, provides water, regulates air temperature, and creates a physical environment where roots can thrive. A well-balanced soil should have a diverse population of microorganisms which promote a symbiotic relationship with plants. This means that the soil contains sufficient levels of bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes, mites, earthworms, and other organisms which help the plant root system grow properly.

Maintaining Healthy Soil

Maintaining healthy soil starts with composting manure and adding amendments that will contribute carbon and create an active microbial community. Composting manure involves breaking down the material using heat, moisture, and oxygen to produce rich humus-based soils. You can use manures or composted food scraps (like coffee grounds) to add nitrogen to your soil. This helps the soil become richer in nutrients and improve its structure. Additionally, you can add organic matter like chopped grass clippings, leaves, straw, hay, or pea pods to increase the health of your soil.

Making Your Own Fertiliser

You can make fertiliser at home, but if you don’t have access to this option, then it is best to purchase commercial products. Once you begin making your own fertiliser, you should always follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. 

Organic matter

This is a large category that encompasses many different types of substances. The simplest definition of organic matter is anything that comes from nature and is not man-made. You can think of things like manure, compost tea, urine, seaweed, kelp, etc. These compounds are all called “organic matter” and they have their own unique benefits to the soil. Manure is high in nitrogen and can improve soil structure and hold water. Compost tea contains microbes that break down food scraps and release nutrients while providing a good environment for healthy roots. Urine can boost the pH levels in your soil due to its alkaline qualities. Seaweed is rich in trace elements and helps retain moisture. And lastly, kelp can act as a natural insecticide and fungicide.

Humus

 Humus is the name given to decomposed or partially decomposed materials that are left over after decaying organic matter. Unlike manure, humus does not add significant amounts of nitrogen to the soil, but rather provides a stable, long lasting source of carbon that increases your soil's capacity to store water. There are two main forms of humus; fresh humus and aged humus. Fresh humus is created naturally by microorganisms as dead organisms rot away. Aged humus is created artificially using composting techniques and is often referred to as composted humus. If you do decide to use composted humus you should use it immediately following mixing, or else it will lose its effectiveness.

Biochar

Biochar is charcoal produced from biomass by heating it under controlled conditions. In doing so, biochar transforms some of the chemical components of the biomass into stable forms that make it easier for plants to access. The process creates a stable, long-lasting form of carbon that is resistant to burning, leaching, and microbial degradation. Biochar is considered a type 

Mulching

Mulch is an effective way to conserve soil moisture and keep weeds under control. By covering the ground with a layer of mulch, you prevent evaporation and extend the amount of time that soil stays moist. Many types of mulches are available, including wood chips, shredded bark, straw, and newspaper. These materials provide many benefits, especially if they are broken down first. Paper mulch can help reduce disease problems and encourage the proliferation of beneficial microbes.

Avoiding Pesticides

Use natural pest management techniques instead of relying on pesticides. There are two ways to avoid pesticides: choosing pesticide free seeds and keeping weeds away from your crops. To choose pesticide free seeds, look for certified organic seed options. Also, find cultivars of plants that are resistant to specific pests. Finally, grow plants in raised beds and cultivate around them to keep weeds away.

Harvesting plant

When harvesting your plant, take note of the buds that are forming and leave those behind. This gives your plant time to rest and recover while still producing high quality buds. When trimming your plants, cut off only the amount that you need. If you harvest too soon, your plant may not grow back strong enough for future harvests.