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- Soil Organisms. Healthy soil is full of animal life. Dig a hole at least 6 inches deep. Watch the interior of the hole for 4 minutes. Count the number and species of critters you see like spiders, ground beetles & centipedes.
- Earthworms. Worms aerate the soil, allowing better circulation. They also eat organic material, so a big worm population means your soil is rich in nutrients.
- Soil Structure/Tilth. Tilth is the condition of tilled soil. Dig a 6 – 10-inch deep hole in damp soil. Remove a soup can-sized section intact. Break it apart.
- Workability. If your soil is hard to work or till and you get clods as a result, your soil has low workability. Workable soil is less likely to compact and allows better circulation of water and vital nutrients.
Jul 23, 2020 · Healthy plants only grow in healthy soils, and if you know what type of soil you’re working with, you’re better able to improve it to get the best results from your garden. In this article, we’ll discuss what soil is composed of, and show you three easy tests that you can perform at home without…
Jun 6, 2024 · Soil tests tell you the pH (acidity), percentage of organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient levels of your garden beds. Because soil is the foundation of your garden, tests are one of the most reliable insights into its health.
- Color. Soil in a healthy garden should be a nice, dark, black color. Soil with little to no life in it looks more like dirt: brown and dry. This poor soil will turn to brown mud when it gets wet.
- Structure/Tilth. To complete this test, find a time that the soil being tested is not too wet, but not too dry. Dig up a cupful or so of soil about six to ten inches down.
- Bugs. Bugs attacking plants in the garden is most likely a sign that plants are weak and may not have beneficial soil. Strong, healthy plants are able to resist bugs naturally.
- Plant Roots. This test requires a steady and careful hand. Checking roots can be very beneficial, but do not rush through it! Be very gentle. To start the test, gently dig around a small annual plant to attempt to view the roots.
Regular soil testing is a critical component of good crop production. It allows you to monitor soil fertility levels, identify potential for nutrient deficiencies, and make fertilizer decisions based on the best possible information.
Dec 3, 2021 · Here are three simple soil tests from the Global Farm Metric that you can do to understand, manage and protect the health of your soil and the vital services it provides. These tests indicate the state of your soils in terms of structure, the amount of organic matter and biodiversity.
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What does organic mean? Organic production is a system of farming that replenishes and maintains soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It encourages practices that increase biodiversity and reduce negative environmental impacts, while also supporting animal health and welfare.
