Post date: May 12, 2020 5:30:10 PM
Notes about Soil
Uma Sashikanth
Many of us worry quite a bit about the correct mix of soil to have in our gardens. We think there is some magical combination and if We did not get it right, we would have no yield!
Then the obsession with amendments begins - Cocopeat, sand, red and black soil, half done compost, vegetable peels, mashed up kitchen waste, bokashi pickle and such things are added.
Then comes the turn of nutrition. Dungs of various kinds – horse, cow, goat, and exotic manure from zoos are all added. Then some more - banana peels, egg shells, hing, epsom salt and such things were tried to make it better. After a few years of experimentation, here are the lessons I learned about soil over time:
1. Structure of the soil is not what we create. It is what the organisms in the soil ensure. Several micro and macro organisms work in the soil and create the ideal airways and tilth to hold air, water and nutrition. Great soil takes years to build.
2. Soil that is fed with organic matter gets better with time. The test is to poke a stick and see how far it goes. Not tilling. When you till and dig, you disturb the structure. Weed seeds come up and germinate. To leave soil undisturbed is the best approach to great soil.
3. There is science to the soil’s composition. Especially if it is open to all the elements of nature. By adding organic matter to it, you nurture the soil. Top dress the soil always to nurture and protect it.
4. Soil is a living organism. It needs water, air and food to sustain itself. As long as you ensure that these three elements are made available, you can revive sick soil back to life.
5. Soil organisms adapt to the environment rapidly. A soggy mess will breed fungus and bacteria and trigger a war for food in the pots. Sun and heat will kill beneficial organisms. Uncured manure will introduce pathogens that will breed quickly. Observe and learn continuously.
6. Soil will always hold both good and bad organisms, and they fight for food. As long as you ensure good balance of air, water and nutrition, the good will eventually triumph. You will find that your plants have fewer or no pests.
7. Soil organisms have various needs. Some like water; some love air; some eat too much; some like it hot and warm; others like it cold. Balance is the key to look for. Consider factors such as weather, amount of sun, rain and wind and learn to ensure this balance.
8. Earthworms are your best friends. They have to be present to make the nutrition in your soil available to plants. They also need food, moisture, air and dark. Protect and nurture them.
9. Your plant can only take in liquid nutrition. Most nutrition that you add to the soil will take a lot of time before being available to your plants. Organic soil gets better with age. Tonics like panchagavya, bokashi brew, LAB, Amrit jal, compost tea are all very beneficial.
10. Don't ever throw soil out. It takes a lot to create it. Feed it; nurture it; and ensure it stays well balanced in nutrition by rotating the plants (leaf-root-fruit cycle) and look for signals your plants provide about it, before adding compost or water.
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