Soil Building – Improve Water Infiltration and Soil Water Holding Capacity.

Building healthy living soils that have a broad range of living micro organisms will lead to a beautiful landscape, with out the use of synthetic chemicals that potentially migrate into the local water supply!  Here are key how-tos…

Use Compost and Compost Tea

The benefits of compost and compost tea to soil building and thereby creating a vibrant, healthy garden cannot be overestimated.   Adding compost and compost tea to your landscape are the simplest and arguably the best thing you can do for your landscape!  They promote the beneficial bacteria, fungi*, protozoa, and other organisms that comprise a biologically diverse system that can out compete pests of all types. 

For a greater understanding on the extensive benefits of compost tea, click on the comprehensive article first appearing in “Fine Gardening”, by the noted expert on the soil food web – Dr. Elaine R. Ingham, Oregon State University.

Additional compost tea article.

What can we do to get Fungus Among Us?  Use Compost & Compost Tea!

Fungi are naturally occurring, so the first thing to do is to stop using synthetic fertilizers and chemicals in the garden.  These kill beneficial organisms of all types, and create an environment that is dependent on further “chemical treatments”.

A quick over view of the soil fungi that are here to help!   Soil fungi are microscopic cells that usually grow as long threads, or hyphae.  There are three general groups of soil fungi. 

• Decomposers (Saprophytic fungi):  Fungi decompose dead organic material into beneficial forms including nitrogen and phosphorous.  Degrade some pollutants and retain nutrients in an aggregate structure so they are more available to plants. See this Smithsonian Museum link
• Mutualists (Mycorrhizal fungi):  Colonize plant roots.  Bring soil nutrients to the plant.  Make phosphorus soluble for plant uptake
• Pathogens or parasite fungi:  Some act as bio-control agents—parasitize disease-causing nematodes.

Add Earthworms

Earthworms enhance soil structure by shredding and mixing organic matter, and creating burrows that aide water infiltration.  The enhanced soil structure leads to better water holding capacity and increased microbial activity that aids in the cycling of nutrients.

In addition to improved soil structure, worm castings are an excellent, organic fertilizer with a wide range of application in the landscape!

Soil Biology Articles ? Posted on 02/23/2009 ? Permalink

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