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Aug 19, 2024 · Organic soil is any soil that is made up of a mixture of organic matter. Organic matter is anything that was once alive, i.e. plants and animals. Organisms decompose over time and release their nutrients into the soil. This soil is very beneficial for gardening as new plants can absorb the nutrients released by the decomposing organic matter.
- Crop Rotation
- Cover Crops
- Nutrient Management
- Conservation Tillage and Organic No-Till
By rotating crops across their fields from season to season, organic farmers add biodiversity and increase resilience in their operations while increasing their soil’s organic matter.
Instead of leaving land fallow after each harvest, cover crops act as a green manure, providing an additional source of nutrients that build soil organic matter and reduce the need to bring in additional inputs from off-farm sources.
If crops need additional nutrients, NRCS can help producers develop; a nutrient management plan that incorporates organic plant, animal, and natural mineral-based fertilizers, most of which release nutrients gradually through the action of soil organisms.
Organic no-till systems, such as the roller-crimper, have also helped organic producers reduce the intensity of soil disturbance in annual crop rotations. By using NRCS soil principles and systems, farmers can sequester more carbon, increase water infiltration, and improve wildlife and pollinator habitat – all while harvesting better profits and of...
May 14, 2021 · In fact, the U.K., the Royal Horticultural Society, or RHS, which runs famous gardens such as Kew in London, and many others around the country, has made a pledge to go peat-free entirely by 2025.
- Loam Soil. Loam soil is an even mix of sand, silt, and clay, with the ideal combination being 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. By mixing them together, each component lends the soil their advantages while lessening the impact of their disadvantages.
- Clay Soil. Clay soil is soil that is made with 50% or more clay. It’s sticky when wet and rock hard when dry. Just think about it in terms of pottery – you wet the clay to make it malleable, then it dries into a hard substance.
- Sandy Soil. Sandy soil is mostly sand particles. It feels gritty to the touch. Because sand particles don’t absorb water but create a lot of space in between for water to move, sandy soil drains quickly and nutrients wash away.
- Silty Soil. Silt is between sand and clay in terms of particle size, and it’s mostly composed of quartz. Silty soil is comprised of at least 80% silt. When dry, silty soil feels like flour.
Use organic fertilizers that promote soil organism growth and break down slowly and naturally. Get your soil tested and limit synthetic fertilizer use to what is needed for plant health. Consider using organic seeds. They come from organically grown parents and have survived to the seed saving stage.
Oct 30, 2020 · It’s counterproductive to spend extra money on organic seeds — like those from Back to the Roots, the only 100% organic, USA-grown retail seed brand — and place them in a growing environment that’s potentially contaminated with synthetic fertilizers and other toxic chemicals.
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Jun 1, 2024 · Embracing organic soil practices leads to healthier plants and more bountiful harvests and supports a sustainable and eco-friendly gardening approach. By understanding the benefits of organic soil and fertilizer, how it's made, and implementing best practices, gardeners can create a thriving garden ecosystem. You can start incorporating these ...
