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Why Soil Life is Important |
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A grower wanting a sustainable productive system has to replenish what is removed at harvest by adding compost. Adding compost means you are adding organic matter to the soil, and this contains the nutrients and provides the structure necessary to enable the key soil functions. However, switching on these functions requires the action of soil micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa (to mention just a few). Micro-organisms break down organic matter, releasing nutrients of the right type and at the right rate for the requirements of growing plants. Without micro-organisms the soil and compost would be essentially dead and inactive; the nutrients would remain in a form that is unavailable to plants or become bound up in the soil. The presence of broken down organic matter has the effect of increasing the water holding capacity. It also improves the texture of the soil, making it more open, allowing better root penetration, which in turn means that plants have access to even more nutrients and water. A healthy mixture of micro-organisms involves a great many different species, all with different roles. However, while some are beneficial, others are less welcome. Maintaining a high level of beneficial micro-organisms actively keeps out the less desirable ones, and the soil begins to function in a more recognisably balanced and sustainable way. We can measure the quality and quantity of soil micro-organisms, and guide you on how to build the life in your soil to grow healthier plants that achieve extraordinary results.
For more information, please contact the Laboratory Director Graham Kinsey |
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