The importance of your soil’s health goes far beyond the appearance of your lawn and garden. In fact, in one way or another, our very lives are dependent upon the soil. To put it bluntly: no soil, so edibles.
In this issue, we’ll talk more about the important role soil plays and share tips for good soil amendments.
Yes, it really is. By serving as the basis for our plant growth, it plays a crucial role in the growth of our foods; and supports the world’s forests, grasslands, farmlands, and wetlands. Because of its importance, the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) named 2015 the International Year of Soils.
“Soils constitute the foundation of vegetation and agriculture. Forests need it to grow. We need it for food, feed, fiber, fuel and much more,” said Jose Graziano da Silva, the Director-General of the FAO.
According to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, healthy soil will act as a sponge while holding both water and nutrients. A healthy soil will also serve as a good deterrent to keeping weeds from harming your plants and will actually clean the water as it flows through.
While items like fertilizer add nutrients to the soil, soil amendments improve its physical properties. Good examples of organic soil amendments include compost, manur, and peat – these all add matter that develops the structure of the soil. Inorganic amendments (perlite, vermiculite, etc.), for example, will increase the soil’s ability to retain water.
If you have a new lawn or garden, mix the soil amendments deep into the soil far in advance of when you plan on planting. If, however, your lawn is already established, simply apply the amendment to the surface and apply water to help it soak in.
To keep your soil in great shape, give us a call here at Juniper Landscape Company. We offer a host of landscaping services for practically any budget or project size. Our number is 619-334-9464 or send an email.