A Comprehensive Guide to 7 Simple Ways to Improve the How to Enrich Garden Soil

When you have been gardening for some time, you should know the soil is just more than dirt. Gardening is not just putting the seeds in the soil and sitting down to wait for them to grow. You have to take care of several other things as well, and one of them is the soil quality. Soils play the most crucial part in the plant’s growth. It is where the roots start to grow and from where plants get their nutrients. And if the soil has insufficient nutrients, from where the plant will get its nutrients? In this guide, we will discuss soil and how to improve it. Soil is a Living Ecosystem:We talked about how soil is just more than dirt. What does it mean? The soil we need for plant growth is more than a living ecosystem. It has many little organisms we cannot see, but they perform many functions for healthy soil. In return, healthy soil produces maximum productivity for our plants. Every little section of soil hosts billions of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, insects and earthworms. Each of them plays a vital role in the productivity of our gardens. Bacteria: Bacteria break down the dead matter in the soil and convert it into plant nutrients. Fungi: Specialized fungi make symbiotic relationships with plants, and in return, the nutrients which are hard to get for plants, fungi easily break down and transfer them to the plants.Nematodes: Nematodes eat dead plants and other organic matter and release nutrients in return. Earthworms: Earthworms will burrow in the soil and make pathways for water and air for better plant growth. So, these microorganisms help the nutrients reach the plants and thus increase soil fertility. Other than microorganisms, organic matter, moisture content, air, and mineral particles make the soil nutritious. How to Increase the Soil Fertility:The fertile soil will have most of the organic matter and nutrients. Organic matter is all about the material that has carbon compounds released by living organisms. It may include debris, dead plants and animals, shredded grass and animal manure. If your soil is not growing plants, then it will be short of nutrients. Here are the essential tips to improve the quality and nutrient content of the soil.7 Simple Ways to Improve the Garden Soil:Here, we have compiled the seven easy steps to maintain or improve how to enrich garden soil. 1. Soil Testing:
First of all, you should get your soil tested. A soil test will enable you to look at the exact quality of your soil and whether it has sufficient nutrients for the proper growth and development of plants. A soil test kit is available in the market; you can get it and test your soil’s nutrient quality. You can also hire an agricultural specialist to check the quality of the soil. Soil tests are done to check the phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, sulphur, and magnesium content. It is also done to check the pH of the soil. All these materials will allow you to concentrate on a specific nutrient: the short concentration. Sometimes, we add that specific nutrient source into the soil. And sometimes, we add all-purpose organic fertilizer to overcome the shortage of all the nutrients.Add Compost: The dead organic matter, which we call compost, is the best thing for improving soil quality. The dead organic matter is the feed of microorganisms. They will eat and grow, and in return, they will release the essential nutrients for plants. In this way, plants will grow. Moreover, compost is good for balancing the pH quality of the soil; it maintains the soil structure. It is suitable for drainage; it causes the water to absorb deeply into the earth and causes airflow, which is necessary for plant growth.Add Animal Manure:Animal manure is often called black gold. And it can do wonders for the plant growth. Adding manure to the plants maintains the nutrient level, accelerates the microbial action and balances the pH of the soil. You can use chicken manure, horse manure, or any other animal product you can access. Adding the Mulch:Mulch is the addition of hay, straw, pine needles, and newspaper to the garden soil to retain its moisture content. When it is decomposed, it produces valuable nutrients necessary for plants’ growth. It also improves soil structure and soil’s nutrient holding capacity. It also retains soil moisture level and is best for airflow.Do not Plant a Single Crop Every Year:Planting one crop yearly in the same place will deprive the soil of the necessary nutrients. So, shift the crop every year in your garden. Do not plant the same crop in the same spot. Continuous shifting will protect your soil from depleting nutrients. Keep it Covered:Keep the upper layer of soil covered, as most nutrients and microorganisms lie in the top few inches of the soil. You can grow the cover crop or mulch the soil to protect your soil from erosion and moisture loss and preserve the soil’s nutrients. Minimize Chemical Use: You should minimize the use of synthetic, chemical-based fertilizers or pesticides. These pesticides may kill pests, but they also kill other essential microorganisms. Always use alternatives to these pesticides and herbicides. Use natural organic substances instead of chemical ones. You can use pressure water to shed off the pests from plants. You can also hand- pick the significant pests or place physical barriers to protect your soil and plants. Bottom Line:As you know, soil quality is a significant factor affecting plant growth. You must pay heed to the soil quality to ensure your plants grow otherwise thye will die. In this article, we have explained the simple seven steps to improve soil quality. Follow these steps to ensure your soil’s nutrient level is high and, ultimately, the plant’s production. For those who want to maintain their soil quality at a high level, add organic manure and mulch, maintain the pH level, and retain moisture in the soil, and you will get perfect results. Happy Gardening!