What is soil? Soil isn’t just for holding plants in place. Soil is a diverse collection of minerals, micro-organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, and macro organisms like nemitodes, earthworms and other organisms, all contributing to the health of the soil. All of these organisms break down organic matter and make the nutrients available for plant use. Everything a plant needs to grow and reproduce comes from the soil or the air. There are two ways soil is made, the slow way of mineralizing rocks over thousands of years, and the fast way, by soil biology turning organic matter into plant available nutrients and humus.
What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy soils? Healthy soil has a diverse range of organisms that all work together in a symbiotic relationship. Healthy soil needs to have adequate floculation (opening of the soil) to allow air and water to penetrate for use by the soil biology and plants. Healthy soil has an adequate amount of humus to store carbon and nutrients.
Plants growing in healthy soil have a symbiotic relationship with the soil. A healthy plant uses sunlight, CO2, nitrogen from the air and soil, water, and minerals to produce sugar (photosynthesis). Some of these sugars are exuded through the roots to feed the soil biology which in return make nutrients available for the plant. A plant growing in this environment has a high sugar content (BRIX), and is resistant to disease, insects, and weed pressures.
Weeds are lower level plants that do not thrive in this type of environment. Food grown in healthy soil will be nutrient dense and supply the proper nutrition and immunity to people and animals alike.
Unhealthy soils are quite different. The soil is more compacted and doesn’t allow penetration of air and water as well as floculated soil. Some of this may be caused by soil mineral deficiencies or imbalances. This environment is not conducive to growth and development of beneficial biology and may contribute to higher levels pf pathogenic or disease organisms. A plant growing in this environment will not be able to photosynthesize as well, producing lower sugar (BRIX). A weak plant is unable to take nitrogen from the air and requires more from the soil. It also is unable to send as much sugar through the roots to feed the soil biology. A weak plant will also be susceptible to disease, insects and weed pressures. Food grown in unhealthy soil is nutrient deficient, harder to digest and does not give adequate minerals for good health.
The importance of soil cannot be overlooked. Soil needs to be looked at as a living organism that needs proper care if it is to survive and thrive.
