Ever wonder about the difference between soil and dirt? In soil science, these terms describe two very different conditions. Dirt is considered dead because it’s made up of lifeless sand, clay, or silt particles and is inhospitable to plants. Soil is described as alive. It’s made up of dirt particles but also contains minerals and entire ecosystems of living microorganisms that support plant growth.
Little Superheroes of the Soil
Soil microbes (bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and more) are little superheroes that synthesize minerals into plant soluble form and deliver goodness to plant roots. Since microbes rely on carbohydrates produced by plants through photosynthesis, they have a huge stake in making sure that plants are functioning at their best. As they move about underground, microbes deposit organic material into soil, protect root systems by massing onto them, prey on pathogens (disease causing organisms), and sequester carbon. The microbes deposit more and more organic material into soil as they proliferate, live, die, and poop. Their activities clump together soil particles and create micro pathways that form tiny pockets for water retention and soil aeration needed by roots. The networks that they form knit together soil. This living weave protects the surface of the ground from water erosion and keep us humans safe from wind borne dust that causes respiratory issues and diseases like Valley fever.
With all of that in mind it’s easy to understand that the philosophy of caring for soil is the best pathway to healthy plants. You can take advantage of this freebie by doing nothing - which is to say avoiding soil disturbance, compaction, and chemical fertilizers. While fertilizers are engineered to produce overnight results in above ground growth, they disrupt the underground community that supports plants in the long term. This develops dependent plants that need repeated fertilizer applications to stay pumped up.
With all of that in mind it’s easy to understand that the philosophy of caring for soil is the best pathway to healthy plants. You can take advantage of this freebie by doing nothing - which is to say avoiding soil disturbance, compaction, and chemical fertilizers. While fertilizers are engineered to produce overnight results in above ground growth, they disrupt the underground community that supports plants in the long term. This develops dependent plants that need repeated fertilizer applications to stay pumped up.
Luckily the simplest method for feeding soil is one of the best, and it also helps dirt turn into a living soil. Applying worm or compost teas in plant wells or deep water irrigation ports inoculates soil with microbes and humic acid. Teas can be purchased in concentrate or made at home as a weekend project using this simple recipe.
Further Reading
For a real appreciation of living soil, check out anything by Dr. Elaine Ingram. Pick up a copy of The Desert Underground by Robin Kobaly, a Morongo Basin expert. Explore further by searching with keywords permaculture, regenerative farming, soil science and Mojave Desert.
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