Resources Why is regenerative agriculture a climate change solution? How can you practice regenerative agriculture in your backyard? How can you join the movement? This hand-picked set of resources will […]
Save Soil, a global movement launched by Sadhguru and Conscious Planet addresses the soil crisis by increasing organic content. Düsseldorf.
Rejuvenating old potting soil is one way to save money while gardening. In order to use...
Soil is the lifeblood of our planet and we need to keep it healthy and fertile. Learn more about soil conservation.
How to prepare your garden for summer a step-by-step guide that will walk you through each area from soil, to planning and planting
If you suspect you've purchased contaminated soil, you'll want to know these tips for soil remediation and how to fix your soil.
Organic gardeners are well aware that the health of the garden and the plants in it start with the health of the soil — and this is why, at Kellogg, we talk so much about how to create and keep soil that is “alive” and teeming with microorganisms. We know that soil is the basic building block of a thriving garden, and want you to feel that you have the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in your own garden, from composting and soil amending to native plants, cover crops, and garden practices. But how about beyond your garden? It stands to reason that healthy soil is a concern for many people worldwide, and there are tons of initiatives and organizations that make it their business (and their mission, actually) to champion this cause. From research and education to policy and training, saving our soil is a global crusade — and one you can join. This Sounds Like Soil is in Crisis. Is it? It is, and could certainly get worse without definable action. Soil that is “dead” and lacks biodiversity impacts nearly every level of our lives, no matter where you live. Soil texture and quality is negatively impacted by frequent tillage, use of chemicals, overgrazing, poor farming methods, and careless construction and development practices. When soil is healthy, on the other hand, it contributes to and supports: Erosion control Climate regulation Fresh water sources Food production Population control Plant biodiversity How Do I Get Involved More Globally Admittedly, it can be difficult to know what to and how to get involved after you’ve become aware of the issues — the far-reaching impact of unhealthy soil is a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel or start your own initiative (unless you feel compelled to) — there is much work already underway that builds upon current research and policy, and that encourages collaboration and teamwork with people like us. Here are a few organization that are all about saving our soil, and ways that you can support them and get involved. Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative: The GSBI is a global collaboration of scientists that seeks to create a platform for soil sustainability. Its goals include public education and environmental policy with workshops, conferences, meetings, and volunteer events. And for those who love reading and listening, they have a wealth of articles, podcast episodes, and radio spots to tune into — all about soil health! About: GSBI Objectives Activities: GSBI Projects Join: GSBI 2. The Soil Health Institute: This one is a centralized hub of soil health information and research — valuable data from a trusted and independent source. Learn about current soil health research, best practices for soil health, climate change and conservation. Interested in downloading current analyses and reports? They have those, too. About: SHI Resources: Soil Resources Soil Research: Help them with Research 3. The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is a global charity that focuses on land and water conservation, and which highlights climate change, food and water sustainability, clean land and water, and building healthy cities. Looking for a way for you and your family to make a difference? The Nature Conservancy has loads of volunteer opportunities and events from visiting and volunteering at nature preserves to supporting fundraising galas — all with the aim of a healthier world through the care of soil, land, and water. About: Who They Are Learn: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint Get Involved: Take Action 4. Plant with Purpose: Plant with Purpose works hard to solve two major issues facing the world today, environmental degradation and rural poverty. They do this by equipping farming families around the world to increase farm yields, heal damaged ecosystems, improve nutrition, and increase household savings and opportunities. About: Who They Are Their Work: What They Do Get Involved: How to Help Share The Garden Love
Would you like the plants in your landscape to grow better? Follow these 7 tips to build soil health.
People need food to live, and this is largely due to natural resources. However, time is also required to meet these limited resources and increased consumption demands, and for a renewal cycle. This cycle can be traditional, industrial and commercial, as well as be sustainable. So, what is sustainable agriculture? Sustainable agriculture is the way to increase productivity in agriculture and to increase the level of economic prosperity by protecting all living things on earth, living spaces and natural resources. It is clear that the continuity of all the living things is possible with the food provided by natural resources. At this point, sustainable production, consumption and preservation of the natural balance are of great importance. Today, the world population is rapidly increasing and resources are consumed at the same rate; creating awareness about sustainable food, transferring this consciousness to future generations in a more permanent way, increasing the number of conscious producers and consumers, strengthening awareness for sustainable foods, respecting the natural balance, and gaining a sense of responsibility, saving consumption habits should be our main target.
Good quality soil is essential for a healthy and abundant garden. Here are seven ways to transform ailing, lifeless soil into rich, black gold.
How to replenish, refresh, and reuse your old potting soil. Plus, learn when not to reuse potting soil and how and when to sterilize it.
Before you can enjoy the bounty of the spring and summer garden you'll need to get prepared. Learn how to prepare your garden for spring on Gardener's Path.
The Conscious Planet Movement to Save Soil is a global civil movement to inspire a conscious approach to saving our soil and planet.
Soil is a living natural resource that is the foundation of all healthy plants. It is vital to create and maintain soil health to maximize food production in our gardens. Most of us are not blessed with the ideal soil in our backyards, and creating healthy soil is an ongoing work of progress. You likely either have sandy soil that drains so quickly that plants don't receive adequate nutrition and hydration, or clay-like soil that pools water and deprives root systems of oxygen. The good news is that no matter what kind of soil you have, you can significantly improve it. Let's explore some of the secrets to soil health, what characteristics we are striving for, and how to attain it in your own gardens. Characteristics of Healthy Soil The secrets to healthy soil involve more than one distinguishing characteristic. Many qualities merge together to compile what experts would consider prime soil for planting and growing. Soil structure is the way the soil particles are organized. Ideally, you want to have soil with pockets of space between fragments so that air, water, nutrients, and microbes can easily maneuver around root systems. Organic matter is the decomposed remnants of plants and animals. Healthy soil should be rich in organic matter. pH is the acidity level of your soil. pH levels affect the nutrients in the soil and how readily the plants in your garden will have the capacity to obtain them. Individual plants have ideal pH levels, where they thrive optimally. Tips for Building Healthy Soil Are you looking to create a masterpiece of fluffy, rich, well-draining soil? Ideal soil health is developed over time. Follow this combination of steps to get you started on your journey to carrying out the secrets of healthy soil. Avoid Using Chemicals in the Garden As a gardener, it is essential to appreciate and encourage beneficial insects, microorganisms, and microbes that live in the soil. All of these assets of nature come together to feed and protect your plants, so it is vital to shelter them from harm. Chemicals can wipe out populations of beneficial insects and wildlife and harm the environment. These groups are part of our ecosystem and actually can help to develop healthy soil. Also, those chemicals can leach into your soil and, consequently, your harvest, so opt for organic methods. Amend Soil with Organic Matter The organic matter in soil amendments embeds itself in between soil crevices so that the soil stays moist for longer durations. Plant roots then have sufficient opportunities to soak up water into their root systems before it drains away and provides aeration for plant roots. It also helps by binding to existing soil particles to create fluffy, rich soil that does not pool water. It may be wise to start composting because compost is one of the best resources you can add to your soil to enrich it and improve the soil structure. It is often referred to as "black gold" for its rich dark soil and high nutrient content and its highly regarded value in the garden bed. Well-decomposed compost is filled with beneficial microbes, great texture, and food for plants. Recommended soil amendments include: Compost Worm Castings Earthworms Poultry Manure Shredded Leaves Grass Clippings Pumice Sand Perlite Use a Layering Method When Adding Soil Amendments Use nature as your guide when adding soil amendments by layering your soil amendments and not tilling your soil. This method will preserve your garden beds' soil structure and leave the beneficial microorganisms that thrive there undisturbed. Spread a few inches of organic matter consistently and amply over the soil surface in a layer. Over time, the amendments will incorporate themselves into your soil via plant root systems, earthworms, and other microorganisms. Essentially, by layering soil amendments and allowing nature to do its work, you are building your soil from the top-down and from deep in the soil surface upward. Crop Rotation for Soil Health Planting the same crop in the same spot in the garden bed can do more harm than good. Not only does it deplete the soil of nutrients, but it also makes your plants more susceptible to pests and disease. Even soil likes a change occasionally, so preserve your soil by rotating your crops each year. The practice of crop rotation is excellent for the plants you grow as well as for the soil. Plants all have different nutrient needs, and some plants even fix the soil with nutrients and improve soil quality. Some have deep root systems that plunge into the soil, really working the soil. Others have shallow root systems which barely break the surface of the soil. Mixing up the plants in your garden beds is a key element to good soil health. Mulch Your Garden and Plant Cover Crops Stop soil erosion, protect microorganisms, and feed your soil when your garden beds are in the off-season by keeping soil covered. When your soil is covered it is less likely to wash away from the elements. Cover crops naturally work soil amendments into the soil and help maintain soil structure. Both mulch and cover crops bolster are some of the secrets to healthy soil for many reasons. Growing vegetable garden cover crops and mulching your garden beds will help: Fix the soil with nutrients and restore soil fertility. Protect beneficial insects and give them a sheltered environment. Insulate the soil, protecting the root systems of perennial plants and bulbs. Keep weeds at bay. How Healthy Soils Make for a Healthy Life Once you are privy to the secrets of great soil health, it is easy to get started, taking the necessary steps to build your existing soil. Every one of these tips will bring you closer to the optimal growing environment for your plants. Continue to practice these methods, bolstering your soil year after year and protecting the earth. The healthy soil you create will reward you through healthier plants, magnificent blooms, improved foliage, and bountiful harvests. Share The Garden Love
Fall is the perfect time to recharge the soil in your raised beds. See how to bring life back to your soil and grow big next year!
Leveling rough ground is done through the cultivation of the soil. Over time, soil becomes compacted and air beneath the surface is diminished. Water has a difficult time filtering through the hard soil, and nutrients no longer reach the depth required for roots to thrive.
Add soil amendments to your garden soil to improve its condition for growing plants.
Healthy plants require healthy soil. This article examines nine ways to keep your garden soil healthy year after year.
Soil healthy is the basis of any garden. You can get healthy foods out of sad, depleted soil. This article gives you the nitty-gritty.
Learn how to make the best garden soil for growing vegetables, and why soil healthy and quality is so important for your backyard garden.
Whether you have loose, nutrient-dense soil or something more like modeling clay, the way you treat it could be making it worse.
Improving soil health can significantly impact everything from garden production to farm profitability and environmental sustainability. But what if your soil is in bad shape, and you don’t k…
See the best animal manure types to use in your garden to energize and power up your soil and plants this year - and how to apply it safely!
In the world of gardening and agriculture, soil health is paramount. Good soil is the foundation for healthy plants and a thriving ecosystem. Enter compost – a
Soil fertility will make or break your garden - there's no doubt about it. We found 22 ways to improve your soil if it isn't as nutrient-rich.
Doing everything right - watering, mowing, fertilizing? The soil could be thwarting your efforts. Learn more about soil types with NG Turf.
It’s sometimes confusing to be confronted by so many soil amendment choices. Pick up some tips on soil conditioner. Learn about organic material, fresh manure, compost, peat moss, and how to use the appropriate one for clay soil, sandy soil, and more. #compost #soil #difference
Among circles of gardeners, the terms “humus” and “compost” get used interchangeably.
You can build a compost pile. It isn’t complicated (I promise), and it does many wonderful things for your soil! Build a compost pile in four easy steps—pick the right spot, start piling…
If your soil is full of stones then take a look at these methods for growing vegetables in rocky ground. We have some great options including no dig!
Learn how to use soil amendments to achieve a healthier lawn. Discover the importance of healthy soil and its impact on your grass. Get expert guidelines and product recommendations to improve the health and beauty of your lawn.
Various methods for improving, loosening, and aerating compacted clay soil for lawn or garden. Improve your soil with minimal effort.
Growing gorgeous vegetables starts with one key element - great garden soil. Are you using the best soil for vegetable gardens so you can have luscious produce? Let’s find out!
It's important to prepare your soil before planting your vegetables or flowers. Here are 3 ways to prepare your soil for planting, including a fast and easy way for new gardeners.
Vegetables thrive in a moist, nutrient-rich bed. Learn how to improve your garden soil for vegetables with these 7 tips.
When you type your query with nimble and curious fingers into a search bar: "why attract earthworms", what comes up? Why would you want earthworms in your garden? Are earthworms good for soil? Do earthworms
Worried that you won't be able to grow a bountiful garden in sandy soil? Follow these tips to see how easy it can be.
This is a guide about ideas for sifting rocks out of garden soil. Rocky soil is not a very good growing medium for many plants.
Here are the Sure Shot Signs that Show Your Soil is Bad, and You Should Discard It! Follow these to keep your plants healthy and thriving!
The FAO recently published a great infographic in the link between soil health-plant health-human health, the basis of mineral nutrition. Animal scientists and veterinarians have known this for years and I have been studying the importance of soil mineral nutrition for almost 2 decades. In 2004, I was fortunate to spend time with Dr. ...
Could old, depleted potting soil be quietly undermining your garden's health? Discover the potential risks associated with overused potting soil and learn to identify the signs that your soil might need a nutrient boost. From essential storage tips to the unique soil needs of different plants, this
Soil pH is not a nutrient, but a plant suffers nutritionally when the ground it is growing in has the wrong pH. Find out why and how to correct it.
Compost pile not turning into dirt? Wondering what you can add to it to break it down faster? Try these 3 easy steps to get your own compost for your garden.
