Soil, rather than dirt, is actually a living ecosystem that supports plant life. When soil is healthy and aerobic, it protects plants from disease, retains and gives access to nutrients, decomposes toxins, and builds soil structure. As organic matter decomposes, it feeds fungi, bacteria and nematodes. These in turn feed the next level of microorganisms, and on and on up the food chain. During this feeding frenzy, the byproducts produced are oxygen and essential nutrients that are now accessible by plants.
How to tell how healthy your soil is
Look at it. Smell it. Touch it. Are there nice dark chunks of matter that crumble in your hand? Do you see worms? How about other signs of insect activity, or tiny bright white feeder roots? Does it smell earthy? These are all signs of soil that is doing well. Conversely, if your soil is a dusty light brown and seems lifeless, or is black and smells putrid, these are definite signs that remediation is in order.
What to add
Soil scientists teach us that regular additions of organic matter, such as leaf litter, compost, mulch and worm castings, contribute to make the soil that perfect loam we all wish to attain. Organic matter attracts and feeds the crucial components of the soil food web. Plants soon have available nutrients and the soil structure they need. This allows for air and water migration and then storage, giving better access to the plant’s root system.
You may choose to have your soil tested to see its specific nutrient structure and amend accordingly. The truth is that by creating a healthy aerobic soil, you can help to ensure your plants get what they need to thrive. As it turns out, Mother Nature knew how to do it all along. Who knew?
As it turns out, Mother Nature knew how to do it all along.