The Importance of Soil
In each spoonful of topsoil there are more than six million living organisms – 3/4 of soilborne life exists in the top 15 cms. When pesticides and herbicides are used micro-organisms die and fewer minerals are made available by the microbiotic life. At the same time, non-beneficial micro-organisms, which are typically fast colonizers, establish a foothold in the soil. Consequently, the soil is unable to release to feed plants with the nutritian they need.
By returning manure to the garden, planting green manures and adding compost, we can restore the health of the soil. By testing the soil, we can check that the right elements are present to produce the best and most nutritious harvest.Keep the Soil Fertile
How
Raise live stock *
Rotate the crops
Grow clover, alfalfa and other legumes
Save barnyard manure
Pasture rolling lands to prevent topsoil washing away
Add humus – dont burn the stalks
Supply needed elementsFarm Knowledge, Volume II Soils and Crops
* For today’s gardener, this means add composted manure
Improving Topsoil
Increasing the depth of the topsoil raises the fertility of the beds and will produce better plants. To do this, add organic matter, or convert subsoil to topsoil by growing deep-rooted plants, known as green manure or cover crops. Some vegetables and green manures, such as clover, have very deep roots. When the plant tops are turned under and mixed into the topsoil, the roots remain in the subsoil and begin to decay. This decomposition helps to break up clay subsoil.
Identifying Soil Types
It is very useful to know what type of soil you have, when gardening. There are six types of soil: clay, sand, silt, loam, peat and limestone.Getting to know your soil
Without a soil test, you will not know if your soil is deficient until problems occur. You may test the soil with a home testing kit. You could also ask people in your area if they know of any soil deficiencies in the locality. To support a broad range of crops, it is important that your soil remains in peak condition throughout the growing season.What is Compost
Compost is the main soil amendment used in organic gardening and every gardener must produce compost. In fact, compost is the most important thing produced in the garden. When you make compost, you are recycling organic matter and using it to feed the soil.Types of Organic Matter
When making compost, consider what types of organic matter should be used. Some contribute higher levels of nutrients than others, and some make nitrogen unavailable in compost until they have decayed completely.Garden and Kitchen Waste
Green garden waste, weeds and plant remains after harvest are examples of green garden waste, but weeds should not be in seed unless your compost heap reaches a high temperature. This waste tends to be very rich in nutrients.Kitchen Waste When preparing vegetables and fruits in the kitchen, keep a small bucket or container nearby to collect all the peelings scraps for the compost heap. Orange peel, carrot tops and melon rinds are some of the best additions. To speed up decomposition crushed eggshells may be used.
Leaves
To rake up fallen leaves can be a chore but they make an attractive mulch and can be worked into the soil to improve its structure and increase the level of organic matter. Leaves have very few nutrients.Grass cuttings, clippings are very nutrient rich. It is best to let them stay on the lawn and decompose and feed the grass. However if the grass gets to long before cutting it can be used on the compost heap. It is best to make layer of grass and then a layer of leaves. This speeds up the decomposition.
Compost Rejects
Cooked kitchen waste.
Never add protein in the form of meat, chicken, fish or cheese.
Paper often has petroleum-based inks and may leach into the soil.
Diseased plants or pest-infested plants should be burnt, especially potato top growth as it may be deseased.
Manure from pigs, dogs and cats may contain diseases harmful to humans.
Weeds with high seed content.
Metal or plastic objects as they will not decompose.
Roots of invasive weeds.
Reference List
Our Future Is in the Soil | Organic Connections Magazine
Organic Seed Starting Kit – Seeds/Soil/Food/Pots & more | Best-Bu..
A Beginners Guide to Healthy Organic Gardening « Organic Together
Hydroponics Gardening for Organic Vegetables – Introduction | Heirloom Seed..
Hope for Haiti restoring the soil | Organic and Wellness News
How organic farming works | BiofuelsWatch.com
environmental baby names | Natural, Organic & Alternative Technologies
Go Green Toolshed » Blog Archive » Organic fertilizer options..
Italian Herb Garden Trio: Indoor Garden Gift Set incl. 3 planters, dip tray..
Composting: Natural Fertilizers, Economical, & Eco Friendly | RecyclePlane..
QP White Rhino X Blueberry Cross – Greenhouse Grown – ORGANIC |..
pH? Widely Used, Little Understood | Hydroponic Indoor Garden
Fundamental Organic Gardening Tips | Food And Recipes Tips
Tips On Making Your Place Pest-Free | Latest News Information and Articles
Seedy Saturday!!!
Organic Soil Solutions Keeps Learning Through Seminars on Turf Grass and So..
Feeding the Soil – One Vital Aspect of Organic Gardening | Opinion & ..
Manure Vs. Fertilizer- Which Should be Used in Your Organic Vegetable Garde..
Sustainable Agriculture: Annual Ryegrass Boosts Organic Matter and Soil-bas..
The Organic Mechanic: Healthy Soil for Potted Plants – Chester County..
Make Organic Pesticide a Gardening Necessity
Feeding the soil « Organic Kitchen Gardening and my personal musings
Demand for Organic Cotton Products Continues to Climb « OrganicAutho..
Ideas On How To Set Up A Vegetable Garden
The Debate On Chemical Vs Organic Fertilizers | Hydroponics Systems & K..
Off the Urban Grid » Blog Archive » What are the Differences..