According to recent articles, soil quality is currently at an all-time low, and we’re only now seeing the far-reaching implications of this problem, which has been dubbed by many as a ‘soil quality crisis’.
Reasons for this so-called crisis vary, and include ongoing unsustainable agricultural processes, general contamination, and soil erosion. In each instance, soils are impacted by both geo-natural and man-driven factors, and the issue is only increasing along the rural-urban chain.
This is a worrying reality, and it’s a large part of the reason why sustainable gardening practices and initiatives are such a key focus right now. This is especially true across agricultural land, but homeowners are also increasingly considering how to tackle soil quality when it comes to general backyard gardening and food growing efforts.
Improving soil health is especially important for outdoor health and sustainability, but it isn’t necessarily an easy thing to achieve. That’s why we’re considering how gardeners are battling the soil quality crisis in real-time.
Understanding the True Cost of Poor Soil Quality
When it comes to our gardens, and particularly agricultural land, the impact of poor soil quality speaks for itself as it impacts everything from general plant health to plant-based root growth and water infiltration. Poor soil quality also leaves ailing crops more open to pests and disease, as well as increasing the risk of costly soil erosion.
Each of these issues has had a significant toll on food production and general gardening in globally over recent years, but the problems don’t stop there. Human health also comes under fire from poor quality soil that’s not only lacking in essential nutrients, but suffers from significant contaminations. The metals and pathogens identified in a huge amount of soils are especially notorious for their role in health complaints including anemia, chronic disease, and even mental illness in some cases.
In other words, poor soil quality has a significant impact, and while mass improvements are required to move past crisis point, backyard gardeners are starting to take steps to improve soil health on a smaller scale.
How to Improve Soil Health in Your Garden
Improving soil health in your garden can feel overwhelming when you hear talk of nationwide problems, but small-scale changes can make a difference, especially if you intend to grow your own produce at home. Top tips for improving the quality of your soil include –
# 1 – Putting Pesticides to Bed
Pesticide pollution is a driving factor in poor soil health right now, with studies revealing pesticides including organochlorines and chlorpyrifos in our soil, especially in cocoa-growing regions like Ghana. This is largely due to wide-scale agricultural applications, but at-home pesticide use undeniably contributes to this problem. Not to mention that, if you’re continuing to apply pesticides, you’ll struggle to make any improvements to your soil.
Hence why the first positive step you can take is to simply replace pesticide use with natural alternatives such as pest-repelling plants, physical barriers, and even natural solutions that include ingredients like vegetable oil and peppermint.
As well as cutting ties with pesticides, it’s important to reduce the use of products like shop-bought fertilisers and plant feed, which can also unbalance soil nutrition when used in excess.
# 2 – Applying Organic Matter
Applying organic matter to your garden, a process that’s generally known as ‘mulching’, is the next best thing you can do to help soil health. That’s because mulched layers put much-needed nutrients back into your soil, creating a far favourable planting environment. Mulching also increases the growth of soil microbes, which are crucial in the development of soil minerals, and much-needed gut health across home-grown produce.
While it is possible to buy mulching materials, it’s always best to develop organic mixes at home using materials that include –
- Manure: While it may sound unpleasant, adding manure from animals like horses to your backyard ensures slow-release nutrients that help with both the condition and structure of your soil. Manure should be well-rotted when you use it, and should be applied in roughly a 10cm-deep layer across all soil types.
- Compost: Compost is a tried and tested method for maintaining soil health. At-home compost is best, and should consist of natural ingredients, including everything from fruit and veg cuttings to coffee grounds and beyond. Again, compost is suitable for all soil types.
- Leaf mould: Leaf mould, which consists of the leaf debris you probably discard after collecting it with your leaf blower, is also a great mulching option after roughly 12 months of decomposing. Admittedly, getting the full benefit of leaf mould may also mean mixing this with additional supplements like compost, but this solution is suitable for all soil types, and works with most plants.
Avoid Digging
There are conflicting messages about whether or not to dig your soil. On the one hand, digging can break up compacted soil, improving aeration and, therefore, nutrition. And, with poor soil quality causing issues including root impaction and poor water absorption, that thought certainly makes sense. But, there’s increasing evidence that no-dig gardening might be even more effective when it comes to regaining soil nutrition.
This is because a ‘no-dig’ approach takes soil back to its natural ecosystems, which can, in turn, enhance general soil health. Note that you can still mulch on no-dig soil, and should in order to overcome soil health problems in the first place. After that step, however, a no-dig method could be incredibly effective.
Consider Your Tools
It’s also worth considering your tools when you’re looking to improve soil health. As well as ditching your spade for a no-dig approach, it’s important to use a broad fork. Rather than turning and disturbing the soil as you would with a spade, this tool gently loosens soil compaction, ensuring much-needed aeration and drainage without disturbing natural ecosystems.
Conclusion
If you struggle to grow in your garden, then there’s every chance that the soil quality crisis is to blame. Overcome the problem and take steps towards a more sustainable world by implementing these top tips for soil health at last.
