Organic matter is derived from the decomposition of plant and animal residues such as harvested agricultural crops; plant vegetation like grass clippings and leaves; animal manures; or even human food residues such as garbage. Organic decomposition, carried out by billions of micro-organisms, is all part of nature’s own recycling process.
The result of decomposition is humus, the primary component of soil organic matter. Humus is a rich source of essential nutrients. The nutrients are made available slowly as required by plants for vigorous growth, without loss or wastage into the environment. Humus also contributes to soil quality by improving its physical structure, and its water and nutrient holding capacity.
Soil biological activity requires humus to continue the process of decomposition and recycling of valuable nutrients. When soil is biologically healthy, it also contributes to the suppression of plant and soil disease.
Because organic matter (humus) is consumed during the growing season to produce lawns, gardens, landscaping and agricultural crops, it must be systematically renewed, hence, the reason for natural organic fertilizers.
Organic matter cannot be manufactured synthetically. Synthesized fertilizers supply nutrients. Organic fertilizers not only supply nutrients, they benefit the soil.
The benefits from natural organic fertilizers in plant response are greater than its value in terms of plant nutrients alone. Long term effects on soil fertility, physical conditions and soil biology account for the added value attributed to the organic matter.
Adapted from www.bradfieldturf.ca
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
BENEFITS of NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZER
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Soil or Dirt
Soil is more than "Dirt." All plants will grow better in good soil. So. . . what makes soil good. Different plants have different tolerances to soil conditions.
Lawns need a soil with good structure. This refers to the size and shape of the soil particles. Ideally about 50 percent of the soil should be soil solids. The rest of the soil is composed of the empty spaces. These are called pores spaces. Basically there are two type of pores. The small pores are important for storing water. These small pores contain the water and allow it to move in the soil through capillary action. The smaller the pores, the higher up (the greater distance) the water is able to move. Large pores are essential for drainage and aeration. These pores are too large to hold water (at least for very long). These spaces though, are important because they hold oxygen. Without the correct balance of water and air, the roots will not survive.
Clay soils are fine textured and have the largest amount of pore space. However, because the pores are small, they tend to hold less oxygen and can contain a lot of moisture. Sandy soils, on the other hand, have large pores, which limits the amount of water that the soil can hold.
The best soil will have a balance of fine textured silts and clays, with some coarser textured soil solids to allow water to drain away after a rain or irrigation.
If you have a lawn/tree/shrub that needs some Tender Loving Care- get The KING OF GREEN:
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Do tree roots keep coming up for air?
Do tree roots keep coming up for air?
