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Soil (It's Alive)
February 5, 2020
Soil Biology Responsible for soil Health: The Natural Approach
The soil in a natural forest system is not just dirt. It is a dynamic network of living microscopic organisms.These organisms formed a mutually beneficial relationship with trees and other plants. There can be millions of these microorganisms living in a handful of healthy soil. This soil biology consists of algae, bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and protozoa to name a few.
These microbes feed primarily on organic matter. The organic matter comes from once living but now dead plants and animals. As this soil life feeds it releases the nutrients from the natural materials making them available to the plant. These nutrients are in a form the plant can easily utilize which enable it to grow and thrive.
Like all living things, these microbes needs a constant supply of food to keepit alive and healthy. In a forest the fallen leavesand needlesalongwith other plant parts providethe necessaryfood to keepthe soil aliveandflourishing. However in our urban landscapes these sources of organic matter are most often missing or in short supply. As the source of organic matter is decreased so is the soil life. Asthe soil biology is decreasedso is the availability of many of the nutrients needed by the plants. It's a cycle which continues to spirals downward.
The effect is our soils become nutrient deficient, compacted and biologically inactive. The side effects of a lifeless soil can be found in our urban landscapes.Sometimesthe impactscan be subtle, unnoticedto the untrained eye (slight loss of vigor, fewer flowers) but other times they can be more severe ( insect and diseaseproblems, premature dieback and death).
So What Can Be Done?
We need to reintroduce natural occurring materials back into our soils. When we put down or inject organic materials into the soil it feeds and revitalizes the soil life. They then will decompose the natural materials releasing the nutrients back to the plants as it does with leaves and other plant parts in a forest. the repetitive use of organic materials will feed the soil and rejuvenate the biological activity. When the soil life is allowed to develop, the microbes will
Aerate the soil, improving its structure and allowing air and water to diffuse through it. However, soil health is not something that can be created quickly. It may take years to bring back the soil life. Soil health happens in a cumulative process year after year.
We are discovering additional benefits of this natural approach. Reduced insect and disease activity, better flowering and better-tasting fruits and vegetables to name a few. Experts have discovered that plants actually utilize bacteria, fungi, protozoa, yeast, enzymes, hormones, etc., which are found in healthy soils. It is believed these additional benefits arise from the reintroduction of these vital microbes into the soil system. Organic natural amendments improve soil health which produces plants that are healthier and more productive.
Spring is finally here and it is time for the annual ritual of applying a new layer of mulch to the planting beds. Spring mulching will help keep your trees and shrubs health and improve the beauty of your property. There are many benefits to proper mulching. 1. Aesthetics , properly mulched planting beds improve the beauty of your landscape and property. 2. Regulates temperature extremes of the soil from summer heat and cold of the winter. 3. Reduces evaporation of soil moisture which can results in reduced irrigation needed by up to 50%. 4. Reduces weeds , and/or eliminates completion from lawn turf. 5. Improves health of trees and shrubs , root growth is increased under mulch beds. 6. Improves soil health . Decomposition of mulch adds organic matter to the soil which contributes to the nutrient and water holding capacity of the soil. This decomposition provides nutrients and improves the all important soil biology. With all the benefits of proper mulching, improper mulching can cause great health problems for your trees and landscapes. It is important to follow proper mulching techniques. Important Considerations 1. Establish proper depth of the mulch. 2-3 inches of finely ground mulch is sufficient. Up to 4 inches of course wood chips would be okay because they allow more air and moisture penetration. It is important to remember soil roots need oxygen to survive. Check levels of mulch, if 2-3 inches is present rake mulch to help aerate and break up layers. Then apply a thin top coat of mulch to give your property a uniform appearance. 2. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of trees and shrubs. Avoid piling mulch up against the trunk of the trees and shrubs (Mulch Volcanoes). The trunks of trees and shrubs evolved to dry out from time to time. The mulch keeps the tissue on the trunks moist and makes them more susceptible to disease and insect infestation. It also encourages girdling roots which can cause premature death or failure. 3. Caution when using fine textured mulches. Their surface becomes hydrophobic-repels water and does not allow moisture to penetrate mulch and get into the soil where it is needed. Rake from time to time to loosen surface and maintain the natural color of the mulch. 4. Planting beds should be expanded every few years to accommodate the expanding root zone of the trees and shrubs. Some lawn grasses may be able to reduce growth of the roots through chemicals the grass roots produce called allelopathy. 5. To enhance the landscape diversity compatible plantings can be added to the expanding mulched area. Most trees can tolerate perennials, woody shrubs and ground cover as in a forest community unlike turf grass. 6. I would recommend not using died mulches. Never saw a natural looking red, black or brown mulch. It is just UGLY!!!. I am not sure what the chemicals are in the die. I believe they may have a detrimental effect on the fine roots and the all important soil biology. 7. Be aware of artillery fungus which is responsible for the black tar spots on light colored houses, fences and cars. The fungus can shoot the spores which cause these spots up to 20 feet. Proper mulching is valuable to not only improve the appearance of your landscape and property but also has significant health benefits for them as well. Improper mulching can have the opposite effect