Organic Soil
Posted: Saturday, January 22, 2011
by Robert Wright
UsaveHydroponics
Organic Soil
Organic soil earthworms and other organisms improve soil structure and add nutrients.
Organic gardening and farming methods use naturally occurring substances to maintain soil health. Biological cycles, such as decomposition, add nutrients and improve soil structure without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organic soil should consist of 3 to 5 percent organic matter. Organic matter usually consists of 33 to 50 percent fresh or decomposing materials and 33 to 50 percent decayed or stabilized materials. Organic soil amendments and management techniques help to maintain proper nutrient levels and consistency.
Soil organisms, such as bacteria and earthworms, play an important role in maintaining soil health. After they eat fresh plant material, organisms secrete substances which provide nutrients and improve soil aggregation. They break down pollutants and convert organic compounds into forms which plants can access. Larger organisms, such as earthworms, create aeration and drainage space when they burrow into the soil.
Cover Crops
Cover crops, such as winter rye, wheat, and clover, usually are grown in the fall and winter and are plowed into the soil in the spring. These plants keep nutrients in the soil from year to year, and prevent weed growth. Clover and other legumes convert nitrogen into a form that plants can use. Cover crops should be plowed when half grown to maximize nitrogen availability.
Green Manure
Green manure is plant material that improves soil structure. It can consist of whole plants, plant products, such as sawdust or straw, or composted plant material. Microorganisms use nitrogen as they break down fresh plant material. Fresh plant material should be added a month before planting, to prevent nitrogen deficiencies from the decomposition process.
Annual Manure
Animal manures improve soil texture and add nutrients, to include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. To minimize pathogens from animal manure, use composed manure from plant eating animals, such as dairy cows and poultry. Special care is required if vegetables are grown in the soil. Fresh manure should be turned into the soil in the fall, and should never be applied directly to a vegetable plant.
Compost
Compost consist of decayed plant material, such as leaves and vegetable scrapes. The addition of fresh manure enhances the composting process by providing nutrients for microorganisms, Compost provides stabilized nitrogen, improves soil structure, aids water and nutrient retention, and adds beneficial organisms to the soil.
Author: Robert R. Wright
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