Feeding Living Soil for Optimal Plant Growth

Living soil, a self-sustaining ecosystem teeming with beneficial microorganisms, is a popular choice among organic gardeners seeking to cultivate healthy plants without relying on synthetic fertilizers. Understanding the unique needs of living soil is essential for maintaining its health and ensuring optimal plant growth. This article explores the various methods of feeding living soil, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced and diverse microbial community.

Dry Amendments: A Foundation for Soil Fertility

Dry amendments, such as Gaia Green or Down to Earth, are widely used in organic gardening and can be effectively employed to feed living soil. These amendments provide a slow-release source of nutrients, gradually breaking down over time to nourish plants. The use of dry amendments allows for precise control over the nutrient composition of the soil, enabling gardeners to tailor the feeding regimen to the specific needs of their plants.

Microbe Health: The Key to a Thriving Ecosystem

The health and diversity of the microbial community within living soil are paramount to its overall fertility. These microorganisms play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and the suppression of harmful pathogens. Maintaining a healthy microbe population requires the regular introduction of organic matter, such as compost or manure-based products like castings. These amendments provide a food source for the beneficial microbes, promoting their growth and activity.

Moisture Balance: Striking the Right Equilibrium

Living soil requires a delicate balance of moisture to thrive. Allowing the soil to dry out excessively can disrupt the microbial community and hinder nutrient availability. Conversely, overwatering can lead to anaerobic conditions, depriving the roots of oxygen and potentially causing root rot. Finding the right balance in moisture levels is essential for maintaining a healthy living soil environment.

Liquid Organic Fertilizers: A Supplementary Option

While dry amendments are commonly used in living soil, liquid organic fertilizers can also be employed to provide a quick boost of nutrients to plants. Products like Foop, a liquid organic fertilizer derived from fish and seaweed, can be considered for feeding living soil. It is important to note that liquid organic fertilizers should be used sparingly and in conjunction with dry amendments to avoid nutrient imbalances.

Feed Charts: A Guide to Nutrient Management

Some resources provide feed charts that outline a recommended feeding schedule for living soil. These charts specify the timing and types of amendments to be applied at different stages of plant growth. While these charts can be a helpful starting point, it is important to remember that the specific needs of plants can vary depending on factors such as the type of soil, climate, and plant species.

Conclusion

Feeding living soil requires a holistic approach that considers the needs of both plants and the soil ecosystem. By incorporating dry amendments, maintaining microbe health, balancing moisture levels, and judiciously using liquid organic fertilizers, gardeners can create a thriving living soil environment that supports healthy plant growth and promotes a sustainable and productive garden.

References

1. What to feed while creating living soil? – THCFarmer (https://www.thcfarmer.com/threads/what-to-feed-while-creating-living-soil.151087/)
2. Feed Chart to Promote Healthy Organic Living Soil | Seacliff – Seacliff Organics (https://seaclifforganics.nz/blogs/news/feed-chart)
3. Living soil feeding schedule | 420 Magazine (https://www.420magazine.com/community/threads/living-soil-feeding-schedule.468493/)

FAQs

What is living soil?

Living soil is a type of soil that contains a diverse community of beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. These microorganisms play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and the suppression of harmful pathogens. Living soil is often used in organic gardening and is considered to be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to growing plants.

Why is it important to feed living soil?

Feeding living soil is important to maintain the health and diversity of the microbial community within the soil. These microorganisms require a food source to thrive and perform their beneficial functions. Feeding living soil also helps to replenish nutrients that are taken up by plants or lost through leaching.

What are some common ways to feed living soil?

There are several ways to feed living soil, including:

• Dry amendments: Dry amendments are organic materials, such as compost, manure, and bone meal, that are added to the soil. These amendments provide a slow-release source of nutrients and help to improve soil structure.
• Liquid organic fertilizers: Liquid organic fertilizers are made from plant or animal materials and can be applied directly to the soil or as a foliar spray. These fertilizers provide a quick boost of nutrients to plants.
• Compost tea: Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water. It is a rich source of beneficial microorganisms and nutrients.
• Worm castings: Worm castings are the excrement of worms and are a valuable source of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.

How often should I feed living soil?

The frequency of feeding living soil will depend on the specific needs of the plants being grown, the type of soil, and the climate. In general, it is best to feed living soil every few weeks or months.

What are some signs that my living soil needs to be fed?

Some signs that your living soil may need to be fed include:

• Slow plant growth: If your plants are not growing as quickly as you expect, it may be a sign that the soil is lacking nutrients.
• Yellowing leaves: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of nitrogen deficiency.
• Poor flowering and fruiting: Poor flowering and fruiting can be a sign of a lack of phosphorus or potassium.

Can I use synthetic fertilizers on living soil?

It is generally not recommended to use synthetic fertilizers on living soil. Synthetic fertilizers can disrupt the balance of the microbial community and harm beneficial microorganisms.

How can I test the health of my living soil?

There are several ways to test the health of your living soil, including:

• Soil pH: The pH of your soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Nutrient levels: You can test the nutrient levels in your soil using a soil test kit.
• Microbial activity: You can test the microbial activity in your soil by observing the rate of decomposition of organic matter.

How can I improve the health of my living soil?

There are several things you can do to improve the health of your living soil, including:

• Add compost or manure: Compost and manure are excellent sources of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
• Use cover crops: Cover crops help to improve soil structure and add nutrients to the soil.
• Avoid using synthetic pesticides and herbicides: Synthetic pesticides and herbicides can harm beneficial microorganisms.
• Water your plants regularly: Watering your plants regularly helps to keep the soil moist and promotes microbial activity.