You may be tempted to believe there is nothing below the Earth. It’s home to roots, as well as an earthworm and other insects. Have you ever wondered how plants get water and nutrients? Maybe they take what they need out of the soil and add fertilizers to it. It may seem surprising, but soil can be a lot more complex than that.
Literally, there is a Whole Universe below Our Feet
The living soil, which includes the mineral soil, clay, silt, and sand, as well as the roots, is home to many different macro and microscopic organisms. These organisms transform plant residues into nutrients, store them, and then build soil structure. One teaspoon of healthy soil can be home to more microorganisms in a single cup than the total population of humans on Earth. That’s amazing, right?
It is actually a complicated living system that we do not understand. The earthy world microorganisms live in is what soil scientists refer to as the “black box.” We are still learning more about these microbes as well as how they interact and interact with one another, their environment, and plants. Our ability to understand this underground world has been enhanced by DNA sequencing and other incredible scientific advancements.
It’s Crucial To Act Now To Improve Soil Health
The foundation of thriving crops and the ability to filter water and cycle nutrients is healthy, diverse soil. Also, soil can improve our climate resilience by returning carbon to the ground and buffering flooding and drought effects. However, humans are having a greater effect on the landscape than any other factor. Our soils have lost the vitality that is necessary to sustain crops and plants.
In cotton farming, it is important that we encourage our farmers to provide the best conditions for soil organisms. Better Cotton is focused on healthy soils. We work closely together with our farmers and on-the-ground partners to establish sustainable, effective soil health methods. By keeping soil organisms alive, for example, you can create a natural habitat by planting continuous living roots. Diversity below ground can also be created by increasing the amount of cover and crop crops. Reduced tillage is another way to help protect the fragile underground ecosystem.
How Can My Soil Be ‘Living Soil’?
- Test your soil pH levels and nutrients. Soil kit is a soil test kit that can be sent to them with a stamped envelope.
- You should use these Mycorrhizae to fertilize your new plant when it is being planted. This will allow you to create networks of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that can boost your plants’ nutrient absorption. Take a look at the second picture below, which shows the tomatoes grown without and with Biotone. Incredible difference!
- Practice low-till gardening. No-till is becoming a conservation effort for soil and water, and no-till gardening has proven that it can interfere with these beneficial networks. Instead of tilling your soil, you can add organic compost to the top and slowly add the nutrients it needs. There is less work involved in digging up the dirt and more benefits for the soil. Win-win. While you may need tilling to break down compacted Earth when making soil for your garden, you can also use compost to cover it.
