#Soil amendment testing

[mbiometer]

The Importance of Soil Amendment Testing for Sustainable Farming Practices

Soil amendment testing can help here, as it's a key tool for farmers. This practice helps improve soil health and also boosts crop yields. Let us examine the significance of this. For more details, visit https://qr.ae/p2ULpe

[survivalpreps]

[meaganelaine]

DIY Home Soil Testing: A Guide to Assessing and Amending Your Garden Soil

As a gardener, one of the most crucial factors for successful plant growth is the quality of your garden soil. Understanding the composition of your soil and its nutrient levels is key to providing optimal conditions for your plants to thrive. Conducting a DIY home soil test can help you gain valuable insights into your soil’s properties and identify any deficiencies or imbalances that may hinder…

[howdoesone]

How does one determine the pH level of their soil and adjust it accordingly for optimal plant growth?

Soil pH is an important factor in plant growth and health. The pH level of the soil determines how well plants can absorb nutrients from the soil. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can negatively affect plant growth and development. In this article, we will discuss how to determine the pH level of your soil and…

[aisling-saoirse]

Growing Paw Paws from seed: 2024

Some of y'all may recall last year I made a Plant Profile post after finding my first Paw Paw (they don't really grow this far north in NJ so this was exciting). Well after eating the fruit I decided to see if I could propagate the seeds and I was very successful!

Below I'll describe my process and some tips, this was unconventional towards how I usually grow saplings but I was in my final year of a masters program, needed to be as cheap as possible, and this is probably easier for those of you in apartments

So you want to propagate paw paws? It's not hard it just requires a bit of understanding.

When I found my first Paw Paw I was on the University of Pennsylvania campus, I saw a tree in front of a multi-faith church and immediately recognized the fruit. My friends and I climbed up the branches to get some bigger fruits and then we basically ate them on a nearby bench.

Once I had the seeds (I started with 14, only 4 viable) I walked home and washed off any debris then I wrapped the seeds in a damp paper towel (wring out excess water) and placed them in a plastic bag in the fridge for 3ish months

Around February I decided to grow them, I had some extra cardboard pots I was starting oaks in (image 3: ps I hate these pots) and knew I could use this to to start the seeds, at the same time I asked a friend to grow paw paws so we had a diverse gene pool to produce fruit. Paw paws need deep pots because they develop a taproot that can easily reach 12" the first year, instead of buying multiple deep pots you can place disposable pots in a bigger container with soil. If you find like long/narrow containers those are your best option.

I used left over peatmoss (but loamy potting soil will be better) and placed them 1" deep each. I then cut off the bottoms of my small cardboard containers and placed those together in a deeper pot I had (image 4). You want to retain moisture, so also cover the pots in plastic wrap. Of course water enough to keep the soil moist that goes without saying.

Paw paws take about a month to germinate above the soil but still need the increased light levels. Keep an LED light on above it (these are very cheap to operate) They will start growing a taproot soon after you plant them and occasionally will break the surface, just try to keep it covered in dirt.

Once they appear above the surface (this was march-april for me), let them grow till they develop like 4-5 leaves before planting out. I kept them in my Frankenstein pots until about June when I had time to exchange with my friend (he grew like 18 with seeds from an online seller but stunted their taproots a bit).

Paw paws have a natural insecticide in their leaves, I didn't encounter any herbivory from both deer and insects but I left my best specimens in a sapling cage. I planted about 8 in my yard, all around 4 inches tall (image 5), in partial shade conditions. When you plant the sapling dig a little deeper than the taproot and leave soil around the taproot itself, it helps to have a deep trowel. For amendments, I mixed in richer compost soil with the native soil, but for a few I gave no amendment (I wanted to test if it made a big difference). Ultimately those which grew the most were in brighter conditions but they all did okay, my largest ended up being 15" (image 6) which is the same development as some nursery stock I've encountered for $165...

On a side note you're not supposed to move them once planted but I ended up having to do this with one. I did break the taproot in half, however this sapling still survived so these trees are a bit hardier than others have implied.

So, is this the best way to grow paw paws? No absolutely not. Is it cheap and basically using just garbage...yes! Try to grow your own :)

[mariacallous]

Editor's note:This is the first blog in our series that examines how social determinants influence gender biases in public health research, menstrual hygiene product development, and women’s health outcomes. 

Worldwide, over 100 million women use tampons every day as they are the most popular form of menstrual products. U.S. women spent approximately $1 billion from 2016 to 2021 on tampons, and 22% to 86% of those who menstruate use them during their cycles, with adolescent girls and young adults preferring them. Tampons and pads are the most practical and common option for those who are working and have limited funds. Yet, a recent pilot study exposed concerning amounts of lead, arsenic, and toxic chemicals in tampons: 30 different tampons from 14 brands were evaluated for 16 different metal(loid)s, and tests indicated that all 16 metal(loid)s were detected in all different samples. This news comes as quite a shock to women who use these products. It raises many concerns and questions for those who do not have other viable options when they menstruate. We explore some of the major questions and concerns regarding the products on the market and their potential to increase the risk of exposure to harmful contaminants. It is clear that beyond this pilot study, further research is required to understand the potential health challenges. 

Unpacking the potential risks for those who use menstrual products  

Measurable concentrations of lead and arsenic in tampons are deeply concerning given how toxic they are. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies lead as a major public health concern with no known safe exposure level. Arsenic can lead to several health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. There are three ways in which these metal(loid)s can be introduced into the product: 1) from the raw materials that absorbed the soil and air, like the cotton used in the absorbent core; 2) contamination from water during the manufacturing process; and 3) intentionally being added during the manufacturing process for certain purposes. No matter how these metal(loid)s are introduced into the product, the pilot study stresses that further research must be done to explore the consequences of vaginally absorbed chemicals given the direct line to the circulatory system.   

On an institutional level, the public health system has historically been biased toward the male perspective, essentially excluding research related to women’s health. In 1977, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that women of childbearing age should be excluded from clinical research. Because of this gendered bias, many women now experience delayed diagnoses, misdiagnoses, and suffer more adverse drug effects; eight out of 10 of the drugs removed from U.S. markets from 1997 to 2000 were almost exclusively due to the risk to women. In 1989, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) amended its policy to include women and minorities in research studies, but it wasn’t until 1993 that this policy became federal law in the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993. Then, in 2016, the NIH implemented a policy requiring the consideration of sex as a biological variable in research.  

Historically, women haven’t been in control of the various industries that support their unique health needs and develop products that allow them to manage their health in safe ways. In spite of this, women-owned businesses have increased over time, with many of them supporting a range of products, services, and health and child care needs. Changes in these industries can lead to a better understanding of how certain products aid or impede women’s health trajectories.  

Racialized and gendered bias in health research  

The life expectancy of women continues to be higher than men’s. That does not suggest there has been universal nor equitable support for women’s health issues and women’s health care. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues. They also experience racism and differential treatment in health care and social service settings. This reality becomes starker when stigma and bias influence negative behaviors toward Black women and other women of color, and socioeconomic status limits access to preventative care, follow-up care, and other services and resources.   

Toxic menstrual products are just the tip of the iceberg for gender bias in health research. Gendered bias extends into how health care professionals evaluate men and women differently based on the stereotypical ideas of the gender binary. This results in those who are perceived as women receiving fewer diagnoses and treatments than men with similar conditions, as well as doctors interpreting women’s pain as stemming from emotional challenges rather than anything physical. In a study comparing a patient’s pain rating with an observer’s rating, women’s pain was consistently underestimated while men’s pain was overestimated. Women’s pain is often disregarded or minimized by health care professionals, as they often view it as nothing more than an emotional exaggeration or are quick to blame any physical pain on stress. This has led to a pain gap in which women with true medical emergencies are pushed aside. For instance, the Journal of the American Heart Association reported that women with chest pain waited 29% longer to see a doctor in emergency rooms than men.  

For people of color, especially Black women, the pain gap, as well as the gap in diagnoses and treatment, is exacerbated due to the intersectionality of gender, race, and the historical contexts of Black women’s health in America. Any analysis must consider the unique systemic levels of sexism and racism they face as being both Black and women. They face a multifaceted front of discrimination, sexism, and racism, in which doctors don’t believe their pain due to implicit biases against Black people—a dynamic that stems from slavery, during which it was common belief that Black people had a higher pain tolerance—and women. A study found that white medical students and residents believed at least one false biological difference between white and Black people and were thus more likely to underestimate a Black patient’s pain level.  

Intersectionality, as well as sexism, further explains why medical students that believe in racial differences in pain tolerance are less likely to accurately provide treatment recommendations or pain medications. A Pew study found that 55% of Black people say they’ve had at least one negative experience with doctors, where they felt like they were treated with less respect than others and had to advocate for themselves to get proper care. Comparatively, 52% of younger Black women and 40% of older Black women felt the need to speak up to receive care, while only 29% of younger Black men and 36% of older Black men felt similarly. Particularly among Black women, 34% said their women’s health concerns or symptoms weren’t taken seriously by their health care providers. This even happened to Serena Williams! 

Restructuring the health system  

On Tuesday, September 11, 2024, the FDA announced they would investigate the toxic chemicals and metals in tampons as a result of the pilot study. This comes after public outcry and Senator Patty Murray’s (D-Wash.) letter to FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf asking the agency to evaluate next steps to ensure the safety of tampons and menstrual products. In her letter, she specifically asks what the FDA has done so far in their evaluations and what requirements they have for testing these products, ensuring a modicum of accountability within this market. As of July 2024, the FDA classifies tampons as medical devices and does regulate their safety but only to an extent, with no requirements to test menstrual products for chemical contaminants (aside from making sure they do not contain pesticides or dioxin). The pilot study on tampons containing harmful metals was the first of its kind, which sheds light on how long women’s health has been neglected. Regulations requiring manufacturers to test metals in tampons need to be implemented, and future studies on the adverse health impacts of metals entering the bloodstream must be prioritized. The FDA investigation will hopefully be a step in the right direction toward implementing stricter regulations.  

For too long, the health field has been saturated with studies by and for men. Women’s health, on the other hand, faces inadequate funding, a lack of consideration for women’s lived experiences, and the need for more women leading research teams investigating women’s health. Women, especially those who face economic and social disparities, have the capacity to break barriers and address real issues that impact millions of women each day but only if they are brought to the table. With structural change, we can address how women’s concerns are undermined and put forth efforts to determine new and effective measures for women’s health.  

[becausegoodheroesdeservekidneys]

Okay this is a boring work rant, but

I'm the second marker on an assignment for a colleague. He'd set them a task to take water, soil and vegetation samples from a site of their choice, analyse those using the tests of their choice, and then talk about the implications of the biodiversity for the site. That would be quite a nice assignment for the second years, I think.

Problem one: these are first years, and this is their first assignment. That is a LOT of autonomy to expect from newbie students who have had 12 weeks of teaching so far, and not on the direct topic of soil/water tests. But he insisted, so very well.

But then the lab tech fell ill, so they couldn't do any testing anyway. The assignment needed changing. Personally, I'd have turned it into a research proposal - that way they still have to reason out which tests to choose, and could feasibly still have a section where they say "I predict these results, which would mean X for site biodiversity".

His solution? Just say what you WOULD have done, and then analyse that.

So now they have to somehow analysise a bunch of hypothetical results that don't exist. On top of which he hasn't amended the mark scheme, so fully 25 marks go to how well they perform tests they can't perform.

On top of which his marking is TERRIBLE. I'm there like "Remember, when writing an academic paper, use the passive voice - it should be 'The samples were collected', not 'I collected the samples'," and this guy is like "YOUR WRITING STYLE IS UNSUITABLE FOR ACADEMIA AND IMPAIRS THE REPORT". I'm correcting an in-text citation like "You don't need to include the author's initial here, just Surname (date)", and he just writes "INCORRECT REFERENCE" and moves on.

To no one's surprise, we have disagreed on the marks. Waiting to see how he'll take it.

[gardeningloverfamily]

How to Improve Soil Quality Naturally

Improving soil quality is crucial for healthy plant growth and sustainable gardening. Here are some natural methods to enhance your soil:

Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to increase nutrient content and improve soil structure.

Practice Crop Rotation: Rotate crops annually to prevent nutrient depletion and reduce pest and disease build-up.

Use Cover Crops: Plant cover crops, like clover or rye, during the off-season to protect and enrich the soil.

Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch (like straw or wood chips) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually enrich the soil as it decomposes.

Encourage Earthworms: Earthworms naturally aerate the soil and improve nutrient cycling. You can attract them by adding organic matter and reducing chemical use.

Test Soil pH: Use a soil test kit to determine pH levels and amend accordingly with lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it, ensuring optimal nutrient availability.

By implementing these practices, you can foster a thriving ecosystem in your garden, leading to healthier plants and better yields.

[sustainabilitythoughts]

Investigate

Sometimes a little investigation will show you a place or activity that is consuming extra resources, and you can then find a way to fix that.  The best example is water leaks.  If your water bill suddenly goes up, you likely have a water leak.  In addition to wasting water, some water leaks can also lead to rot inside walls or under floors, requiring expensive repairs.  Some additional thoughts:

I noticed that my t-shirts tended to get small holes in the front near my waist.  I finally figured out the cause.  My t-shirt is between my seat belt and my jeans when I am in the car and it rubs little holes.  Now I can keep my shirt outside the seatbelt and my shirts last longer.

A sudden increase in your electric bill could mean a short circuit or appliance that needs repair.  Call an electrician to investigate. 

A quick soil test might tell you what minerals and amendments will help your garden be more productive.  If you are planting a native habitat area, do your research on what the plants need to grow well. 

[dathomirdumpsterfire]

are you perhaps willing to give a tiny snippet of the desert husbands whip 🥺

a snippet! a snappet! a small snitch of s'maul??

as you wish!

-dilf season 2 ch 37-

Obi-Wan runs a hand back through his hair to neaten the strands a bit, some sixth sense telling him the humidity is playing havoc with it. "If you must know, I was there as a slave. The order had decided I was… best placed as part of the agricorps. Except I was kidnapped from my post, and put in chains. It took time, but I eventually staged a revolt."

Maul chokes on air. "You mean to tell me- the jedi order nearly sent-" he stops to cough a laugh, "-the greatest soresu master they had seen in an age, to be a farmer? A ploughman?"

"It's a… noble career. Feeding people is important," he tries, but it sounds unconvincing even to his own ears. He had been devastated to be relegated to agriculture instead of knighthood. Not that it wasn't a powerful calling… but it wasn't his.

Maul loses it, wheezing quietly with mirth, his force presence flaring obnoxiously.

Obi-Wan sighs, expansively. "It's not that funny."

"Farmer! They would have made you a farmer!" the man crows.

He glowers. "If you're quite done, we could maybe focus on the test…"

"Oh, cursed line of Aith'zin, that is truly the most hilarious thing I have ever heard. Obi-Wan Kenobi, expert in- in radishes and soil amendments." He hears a slap, like the sith had struck a palm to his metal thigh. "I am even more grateful the jedi did not come for me! Can you imagine what mundanity they would have subjected me to? School teacher, hmmm? Secretary? Potter?"

At this rate, Obi-Wan is sure he will run out of sighs before they reach the end of this place. A lifetime supply used up in an afternoon.

"Oh, no, I know!" The sith smacks him on the shoulder, "A mechanic! I could have spent my sad little life as a jedi puppet repairing watering drones right alongside you in the agricorps."

Obi-Wan thinks about that for only a minute, and immediately resolves never to think about it again.

Him, Maul, quiet days, and the steady growth of crops? If the worst he had ever done in life was to be mediocre at growing things and argue all the time with his mechanic…?

...it would have been so much better than the fruition of reality.

"You never know," he says without tone, "It could have been a fulfilling life."

The sith makes a noise like a dying space whale.

Obi-Wan glares. "You sound like a demented purgill, I hope you know… I- wait, how did you know where my shoulder was? It's pitch black in here. I'm surprised you didn't smack me in the head."

"Oh see, there is this thing called the living force," Maul begins, snide, "and through it all living things are connected."

"I hate you," he replies mildly.

"Good," the man purrs.

[mbiometer]

How Soil Amendment Testing can revolutionize Your Gardening Experience?

Soil amendment testing is a game-changer. It gives you the information you need to choose the right amendments. Your garden can become a healthy, lively area by correcting deficiencies, balancing nutrients, and improving soil conditions. For more details visit https://mbiometer.medium.com/how-soil-amendment-testing-can-revolutionize-your-gardening-experience-fd80b3d81cb9

[corseque]

There are a few systems and complications in gardening that that I’ve never seen replicated in a farming game that might be terrible but might be really fun. Maybe I’ve never seen this because I haven’t played many farming games so give me recs if you know any but Like

scarifying/stratifying seed to increase germination

certain seeds having a higher germination rate (like lettuce)

starting seedlings inside before the change of the season

your Zone / temperature range / humidity being very important to plant care

like covering your cold-sensitive crops during a freeze

or shading them in the summer

testing soil to find out what’s wrong with it before adding corrective soil amendments. Like missing elements or bad PH

the struggles of starting a farm in sandy or clay or caliche soil lmao

no-dig (why am I tilling my soil when I could simply cover it)

propagation of plants via cuttings and runners

thinning seedlings so your plants will grow larger / thinning the fruit of fruiting trees so the fruit will be bigger

growing a 500lb pumpkin by watering it with a fire hose

being able to compost (there is a whole reddit of people who genuinely enjoy real life composting so much they talk about wanting to escape their family parties so they can go out and turn and temperature check and water their compost. If there are games about pressure washing there should be games about the surprisingly satisfying balancing act that is composting)

hydroponics (can you imagine the fine-tuning and satisfying automation)

birds eating your seedlings like the most delicious microgreens unless you cover them

Planting stuff for and harvesting stuff on the day to run a farmer’s market stand on Saturday morning

cover crops!!!!!

watering methods like olla or drip irrigation

this is all probably too much for a farm game but can you imagine being able to make compost… /r/composting would go wild

I keep thinking about this because every day I go out to my garden in real life and I get that excited feeling at seeing All The Changes that I only got from like Stardew Valley before.

[bumblebeeappletree]

Clarence goes over the basics of planting.

Most gardeners agree there's nothing better than getting a new plant in the ground! Planting is a task you’ll do over and over again and everyone will develop their own style by learning on the job and listening to others. Here’s Clarence’s tips and tricks on planting for beginners.

Choose a suitable spot:

Plants do best when they grow in the conditions they like. When choosing a spot to plant, consider how much sunshine they’ll get and what kind of soil they prefer. You’ll find this information on the plant label. Clarence is planting Billy Buttons which loves full sun and good drainage. There are some Billy Buttons growing happily in this spot already, so that’s a good indication that this new plant will like it here, too.

Health Check:

To check the roots on the plant, give the pot a squeeze. If it's too hard, there may be too many roots which means it is pot-bound. If it’s too soft, there may not be enough roots, meaning it needs to stay in the pot a little longer before establishing in the ground. You want the Goldilocks version, just right.

Water the plant:

It’s important the plant is well watered before going into dry soil because dried roots can cause plant stress or transplant shock. If you think it might take some time to dig your hole, dunk the pot into a bucket of water, let it soak a few minutes, then allow it to drain thoroughly.

Prep the soil:

Dig a hole the same depth as your pot and soften the surrounding soil. You want the soil level to be the same depth that the plant is used to, which is usually the point that joins the stem to the roots. If it’s planted too deep the stem can rot, or too high the roots will dry out. Test out the size of your hole by placing the whole pot inside the hole and adjust as needed.

Some people might be tempted to add compost or fertilizer to help the plant along. However, as the plant establishes its new surroundings, it will send out soft new roots which can be harmed by fertiliser. If the soil is unsuitable or needs amending, it’s best to do this a week before planting.

Remove the plant:

Gently tease the plant out of the pot. If the roots are well developed, it should slide out easily, or you can turn it upside-down and give it a tap. Any overcrowded roots can gently be teased to give them space - however, this depends on what type of plant it is, as some plants don’t like root disturbance.

Firm it in:

Get your hands dirty for this part! Clarence says it helps you connect to the plant and the garden. Place the plant into its position and gently firm down the soil around it. You want to make sure the soil particles are in good contact with the roots without big air pockets, but not too hard that it compacts.

Mulch:

Cover the soil with a layer of mulch, no higher than 50mm. Make it wide enough that it covers the dripline where the leaves would drip water down. Mulch helps keep moisture in and weeds out.

Water it in:

Give your plant a good thorough soaking. This will help the soil settle in place and keep the plant from stress as it settles in. You'll need to water it regularly for the first two weeks but once it's established, just sit back, relax and watch it grow!

Featured Plants:

BILLY BUTTONS - Pycnosorus globosus

[hydrofarm]

Soil pH

What is the Meaning of pH? The term pH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It’s based on a scale that ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is considered neutral. Values below 7 signify acidity, while values above 7 indicate alkalinity. The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number change represents a tenfold difference in acidity or alkalinity. In simpler terms, a soil pH of 5 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 6.

Healthy soil pH is the foundation of a thriving garden. Find the balance, and your plants will flourish.

Understanding pH is important in soil science because it influences many soil properties, including nutrient availability, microbial activity, and plant growth. A proper balance of pH levels helps plants access nutrients more efficiently, making it an essential factor in successful gardening and farming.

What is the Best pH for Soil? The ideal pH range for most plants is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Within this range, most nutrients are readily available to plants. However, some plants have specific pH preferences. For instance, blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons thrive in more acidic soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, while some ornamental plants and vegetables can tolerate slightly alkaline soils up to a pH of 7.5 or even 8.0.

How to Check pH in Soil? There are several ways to measure soil pH, ranging from simple DIY methods to professional testing:

pH Test Strips: You can purchase these at most garden centers. Simply mix a soil sample with distilled water, dip the test strip, and compare the color change to a pH chart.

Soil pH Meters: These electronic devices are quick and easy to use. Insert the probe into the soil, and the meter will display the pH reading.

Professional Soil Testing Kits: These kits usually come with detailed instructions and provide more accurate results than DIY methods. Some local agricultural extension offices and labs also offer soil testing services for a fee, which can give you a complete analysis of soil pH and nutrient levels.

What pH is Rich Soil? Rich soil typically has a balanced pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. At this level, soil can retain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for plant health and growth. Rich soil with an optimal pH level supports a diverse range of plants, from vegetables to flowering perennials, as it creates a favorable environment for beneficial bacteria and earthworms that break down organic matter and enrich the soil structure.

What is High pH in Soil? When soil has a pH above 7.5, it’s considered alkaline. High pH soils can pose challenges, as they may limit the availability of essential nutrients like iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Alkaline soils often appear in areas with low rainfall or where the bedrock contains limestone or other alkaline minerals. Plants in high pH soils can sometimes show signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves (chlorosis) due to iron deficiency. While some plants, like lavender and certain succulents, can tolerate or even prefer alkaline soils, most garden plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions.

What pH Level is Healthy for Soil? A healthy soil pH typically falls between 6.0 and 7.5, though this can vary depending on the type of plants you’re growing. Maintaining a balanced pH level ensures that your plants can efficiently absorb nutrients, promoting healthy growth and resistance to diseases. Soil pH can fluctuate over time due to factors like rainfall, fertilizer use, and plant root activity. Testing your soil pH regularly can help you stay on top of any changes and adjust your soil management practices accordingly.

You can use soil amendments to adjust the pH level of the soil. For example, lime can raise pH for overly acidic soils, while sulfur can lower pH in alkaline soils. However, changing soil pH is a gradual process, and it’s best to make adjustments in small increments and monitor the results.

Conclusion Soil pH is a critical factor for plant health, as it affects nutrient availability, soil structure, and microbial activity. Aiming for a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0 can support the growth of a wide variety of plants and contribute to a thriving garden or farm. Regular soil testing can help you monitor pH levels and make informed decisions to maintain a healthy balance. By understanding and managing your soil's pH, you can create an environment where your plants can truly flourish.

[plantingcoach1]

Comprehensive Guide to Soil Improvement for Gardening

Soil improvement, also known as soil amendment or soil conditioning, is an essential practice for gardeners seeking to cultivate healthy, productive plants. This process involves enhancing the physical and chemical properties of soil to create an optimal growing environment. Good soil is the foundation of a thriving garden, as it provides plants with the necessary nutrients, water, and structure to grow vigorously. This article delves into the importance of soil improvement, the various methods available, and practical steps to enhance your garden soil.

Why Soil Improvement is Crucial The quality of soil directly influences the health and productivity of plants. Poor soil conditions can lead to weak growth, nutrient deficiencies, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Conversely, well-improved soil can significantly boost plant health and yield. Here are the primary benefits of soil improvement:

Enhanced Nutrient Availability: Soil amendments increase the availability of essential nutrients needed for plant growth.

Better Soil Structure: Improved soil texture aids in root penetration, air circulation, and water retention.

Increased Water Retention: Amended soil can hold moisture more effectively, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Improved Drainage: Good soil structure prevents waterlogging and root rot, ensuring proper aeration.

Enhanced Microbial Activity: Healthy soil supports beneficial microorganisms that aid in nutrient cycling and plant health.

Key Methods of Soil Improvement Adding Organic Matter

Compost: Incorporating compost into your soil enriches it with organic matter, improving structure and providing essential nutrients. Compost is made from decomposed plant materials and kitchen scraps, making it a sustainable option for soil enhancement.

Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or leaves, on the soil surface helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and eventually decomposes to add organic matter to the soil.

Manure: Well-rotted animal manure adds nutrients and organic matter, enhancing soil fertility and structure. Manure should be properly composted to avoid introducing pathogens or weed seeds. Adjusting Soil pH

Lime: Used to raise the pH of acidic soils, making them more alkaline and improving nutrient availability. Lime should be applied according to soil test recommendations.

Sulfur: Applied to lower the pH of alkaline soils, making them more acidic and suitable for acid-loving plants. Sulfur should also be used based on soil test results.

Nutrient Enhancement

Organic Fertilizers: Products like bone meal, blood meal, and fish emulsion provide slow-release nutrients and improve soil health. These fertilizers are derived from natural sources and decompose slowly, providing a steady supply of nutrients.

Inorganic Fertilizers: These are concentrated sources of specific nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), essential for plant growth. Inorganic fertilizers are fast-acting and can quickly correct nutrient deficiencies.

Micronutrients: Adding trace elements such as iron, manganese, and zinc can correct deficiencies and promote plant health. Micronutrients are essential for various physiological functions in plants, even though they are required in small amounts. Improving Soil Structure

Aeration: Techniques like tilling, spading, or using a garden fork to break up compacted soil enhance air and water movement. Aeration prevents soil compaction and promotes root growth.

Amendments: Materials such as sand, perlite, or vermiculite can be added to improve drainage in heavy clay soils or increase water retention in sandy soils. These amendments modify soil texture, making it more suitable for plant growth. Using Cover Crops

Green Manure: Planting cover crops like clover, alfalfa, or rye can improve soil structure, add organic matter, and increase nitrogen content when tilled into the soil. Cover crops also help prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds.

Practical Steps for Effective Soil Improvement

Conduct a Soil Test: Start with a soil test to determine the pH, nutrient levels, and texture of your soil. This information will guide your amendment choices. Soil tests can be done through local cooperative extension services or private laboratories.

Choose the Right Amendments: Based on the soil test results, select appropriate amendments to address deficiencies and improve soil structure. Organic matter, lime, sulfur, and specific fertilizers should be chosen according to the needs of your soil and plants.

Apply Organic Matter Regularly: Regularly add compost and mulch to maintain soil health and fertility. Organic matter improves soil structure, enhances nutrient content, and supports beneficial soil organisms.

Adjust Soil pH as Needed: Use lime or sulfur to correct pH imbalances, ensuring optimal nutrient availability for your plants. Proper pH ensures that plants can absorb the nutrients they need from the soil.

Fertilize Appropriately: Follow recommendations for fertilizing, considering both macro- and micronutrients. Avoid over-application, which can harm plants and the environment. Slow-release fertilizers are often preferable as they provide a steady supply of nutrients.

Improve Soil Structure: Use mechanical aeration and add structural amendments to enhance soil texture and drainage. Regularly turning the soil and adding coarse materials like sand or perlite can prevent compaction and improve root growth.

Plant Cover Crops: Incorporate cover crops into your gardening routine to naturally improve soil health and fertility. Cover crops also help manage weeds, reduce erosion, and enhance soil organic matter.

Regular Monitoring and Maintenance: Continuously monitor soil conditions and plant health. Make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal soil quality. Regular soil testing can help track changes and guide future amendments.

Learn More : Comprehensive Guide to Soil Improvement for Gardening 4 Soil improvement method

Conclusion Soil improvement is a foundational practice in gardening that ensures your plants have the best possible environment to grow. By understanding and implementing soil amendment techniques, gardeners can create rich, fertile soil that supports robust plant health, increases yields, and reduces the need for chemical interventions. Regular soil testing, adding organic matter, adjusting pH, enhancing nutrients, and improving soil structure are all essential steps in achieving a thriving garden. Investing time and effort into soil improvement pays off with a beautiful and productive garden that is resilient and sustainable.

Through careful management and consistent improvement, gardeners can transform even the poorest soils into rich, productive growing mediums. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced horticulturist, soil improvement is key to unlocking the full potential of your garden. Embrace these practices, and watch your garden flourish.

[yesireadbooks]

Pretend that I've just asked you a question that you've been dying for someone to ask you about your work, and answer it

Oooooh, you put yourself in trouble Madame Diplomat, cuz this would be looonggg...

Imma pretend you asked about the origins of Scalmropia. hahha

Ok, so I did say sometime earlier that this was part of my 12-year-old world domination plan, haha. And this will get carzy so please don't judge me. :)

Well, the thing is, back then, I had an obsession with starting a business. Not a normal one, I wanted a business empire like the Virgin Group which has a company like for anything. And then, while I was think about this, I also read about of taxation, tax havens and local restrictions. That made me realise that if I were to make to big profits, I would be losing a ton to the governement. This is was during my capitalist era so, yeah, haha. And then I also realised that much of my companies would be put under great surveillance because they included things like weapons production, medical testing, etc.

So, my solution was to make my own country. First, I looked onto to buying huge amounts of land and declaring it as my territory under the Montevideo Convention. I planned to buy 25% of Russia, given the low population density and hence the possibility to relocate. But then I scrapped the idea due to the sheer amount of money needed and the possible backlash. Then I decided to plan to make a new land. I read about these land extentions (one was happening In Sri Lanka too) so I planned that.

So I began reading up on sand, soil and gravel prices. Quotas, providers, shipments and stuff. I also read up on microstates, sovereign states, Kingdom of Lovely and Asgardia. Then also maritime boundaries, declarations of independence, etc.

The name is an acronym haha. And I also made a flag, coat of arms, a (bad) national anthem, a (partially made) constitution and a wiki page.

National Anthem

Sunshine and Water We depend on as much With our worthy souls upon you We devote to you as such Freedom and Justice Honesty and Unity Is what makes us greater Upon all worlds Upon this world We choose to live upon you This is a land of wonder In which all Faiths are met This is a land of harmony In which all tongues are spoken Freedom and Justice Honesty and Unity Is what makes us greater Upon all worlds Upon this world We choose to live upon you When all of the world shall meet We shall rise above all We shall help our friends grow And achieve the goals we’ve achieved Freedom and Justice Honesty and Unity Is what makes us greater Upon all worlds Upon this world We choose to live upon you Scalmropia! Scalmropia! We would kneel upon you Scalmropia! Scalmropia! We’re with you till the world ends Scalmropia! Scalmropia! I shall protect you with my own blood

Constitution

0001 – This is the constitution of The Economical and Technological Republic of S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A. 0001A – This constitution will never be expired, not even in terms of time. 0001B – This constitution may not be replaced, removed or amended at any circumstances. 0002 – The flag of S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A is the “Earth and Elements flag”. 0002A – This may not be changed under any circumstances. 0003 – The emblem of S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A is the Emblem in the Fig.1.1 0003A – This will not be changed under any circumstances. 0004 – The national anthem of S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A is 0004A – This may not be changed under any circumstances. 0005 – All the Physical Employees of [Redacted] will be declared citizens of S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A. 0005A – Family members of the Physical Employees up to the count of 7 members maximum will be declared citizens. 0006 – People from other countries will not be granted citizenship unless being a Physical Employee of [Redacted]. 0006A – Foreign citizens seeking citizenship in S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A under all categories such as Migration, Refuge etc. Will be granted a temporary [Redacted] 0007 – The power of controlling S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A will be in parallel with the [Redacted] 0007A – The ownership of S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A will be in Parallel with the [Redacted] 0007B – Under no circumstances should the ownership of S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A will be sold, leased or rented to any party. 0008 – No agreement or document which has the slightest danger for the Republic, or its citizens and their rights will not be signed under any circumstances. 0008A – No agreement or document which has the slightest danger for the constitution of S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A will be signed. 0008B – Even if such document is signed, the document or agreement shall be cancelled as a whole including its powers against the country, it’s citizens, laws and regulations and the Constitution under the powers of the constitution of S.C.A.L.M.R.O.P.I.A. 0009 – All cases of crime will be taken towards an independent Court with a Judge panel of experienced and educated judges. 0009A – All the members in the jury must not have any relationship with both the defendant and the victim. They must not also be a beneficiary of a certain judgement of the court. 0010 – Every person under the age of 18 will be considered a child according to the International Standards. 0010A – Half of the prices for the acquired basic needs of a child such as food, education will be granted by the government. 0011 – This country is not a [Redacted] 0011A – Every result of the research will be made public. 0012 – No child is to be used for working, warfare, drug trafficking, child trafficking etc. 0013 – When producing goods and services from companies other than those of [Redacted], the sales owners must reserve a business license and must provide respective goods and services within Economic cities. 0014 – During medical emergencies all the citizens must obey The Quarantine Act.

After some time, I let go of the idea and it has been since been in the depths of my drive. I did use the country idea when I played Politics & War but then I later deleted the page and now that I needed a country idea for my wips, I decided to to use the name, but with different meaning and backstories. Much of what I have at the Scalmropia page are things I thought of recently. But this is the OG idea.

Thank you if you read far, much love and appreciations!