Soil is not a dirty word!

Soil is often misunderstood. Many people casually refer to it as "dirt," but the two are not interchangeable.

Soil is home to a quarter of earth’s life forms! It is much more than just something that plants grow in. It is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, nutrients and organisms that support life. 

Soil is a dynamic, living system that plays a critical role in gardening, environmental sustainability, and food production. It is formed through the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic material over a very prolonged period of time. It is home to a vast array of organisms, bacteria, fungi etc all of which contribute to it’s health and fertility.

Dirt is associated with something that is unclean or unwanted. It is not a live ecosystem. Unlike dirt, soil is rich in biological and chemical processes that nurture plants and help them thrive.

One cannot overstate the importance of healthy soil in gardening. Soil is the foundation of any garden. It serves as the medium in which plants anchor their roots, access nutrients, and absorb water. A well balanced soil facilitates water retention and drainage, ensuring that plants don’t become waterlogged or dehydrated. It is the soil’s ability to hold onto essential nutrients and make them available to plants which determines a garden’s overall success! 

This is why it is useful to focus on soil health and to understand how the soil quality directly impacts plant health and yields.

Soil and Sustainability

Sustainable gardening focuses on building soil health and growing healthy plants which minimizes the need for fertilizers and pesticides. The health of the soil affects the ecosystem, biodiversity, and the environment as a whole. When soil is treated as dirt—when it is neglected, compacted, or mismanaged—it loses its ability to function properly. Overworking the soil or using chemical fertilizers and pesticides can degrade soil structure, kill beneficial organisms, and lead to nutrient imbalances.

A healthy soil ecosystem, on the other hand, is essential for long-term sustainability.  It supports biodiversity by creating a habitat for beneficial organisms that help decompose organic matter, improve soil structure, and recycle nutrients.

Adding organic matter contributes to nutrient cycling, water retention, and the overall fertility of the soil. Practices like mulching, conditioning soil, composting, and reducing tilling can help keep the soil ecosystem healthy.

With changing climate, it is important to help soil, and in turn, plants, become more resilient to future changes.

What can we do?

There is lots that we can do and contribute towards improved soil health.

No-Dig Gardening: This method involves minimal soil disturbance and relies upon existing plant roots to aerate the soil naturally. By avoiding tilling, the soil ecosystem remains intact, promoting better water retention and encouraging beneficial organisms like earthworms.

Green Manure: These are fast-growing crops grown specifically to improve soil fertility. These plants are typically dug back into the soil while still green, enriching the soil with organic matter and essential nutrients. This practice helps maintain soil health and prevents erosion

Nettle Comfrey Tea:  This is a nutrient-rich natural fertilizer packed with essential minerals and nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and trace elements, which are vital for plant growth. It is easily made by steeping the plants in water, releasing their nutrients into the solution. Both are easily grown in the garden, making this tea an eco-friendly, sustainable solution for feeding plants without relying on chemical fertilizers.

Soil is more than just dirt. It is a living, breathing system that sustains life on Earth. Healthy soil is the foundation for sustainable gardening and thriving ecosystems. And just by making small changes, we too can contribute to a more sustainable future - both for ourselves and the planet.