The Organic Garden

Soil

Soil is the breathing skin of our planet. It provides us with food and allows other plants to beautify the world around us. In order for these things to happen there must be lots of 'life'in the soil, things like worms, beetles and the all important invisible microlife, the latter being the plant growth promoter. Good soil will have a balance of chemical and biology, as the collection of minerals like calcium and silica are continuously made soluble and available to plants by 'soil life'. The micro-organisms(soil life) live on the humus which should be 15 to 20 per cent of the volume of the soil.

Soil improvement can be achieved fairly simply and over a short period, by using green manures. The benefits are enormous as green manures are dug in (if you must) or cut down and left and rot on the surface. This will return nutrients to the soil and encouraging soil bacteria and fungal growth, which are essential for a healthy soil. The added humus will in time encourage a rise in the earthworm population, which must be one of the most important creatures on earth. Darwin's thesis that earthworms in a healthy soil can generate up to 1" of soil every decade must surely be correct.This in turn leads to added rain absorbtion, as heavy rain does not run off this type of structure, but is absorbed to a considerable extent, and ground waters are therefore increased.

The soil retains moisture longer, and allows for a greater variety of crops to be grown. The number of visiting birds will increase, with the insect eaters among them being a good method of pest control. A Balance is restored, and if a pest or disease does get out of control, if left alone, will be brought back under control by an increase of its enemy.