The Soil Food Web refers to the network of creatures, including insects, earthworms and microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi and nematodes, that inhabit and sustain the living soil beneath our feet. Together, these organisms break down organic matter and release nutrients in plant available forms in exchange for “exudates” (carbohydrates, simple sugars, and proteins) produced by plants. A healthy Soil Food Web can provide plants with all the nutrients they need plus added benefits such as improved soil structure and water-holding capacity resulting in protection from ecological threats such as drought and flooding.
Applying a correctly made compost tea solution can effectively increase soil biology leading to healthier plants, higher yields and decreased insect and disease pressure. This article outlines the two methods of creating compost tea solutions and explains the unique benefits of both. Scroll to the bottom of the article for links to the Biologic Systems’ compost tea recipes and an informational video on our compost tea brewers
It all starts with soil. Whether you’re growing six plants or farming multiple acres, understanding the chemical makeup of your soil provides critical insight into how your nutrients are cycling and the health of your soil from season to season. To be completely informed you need to know two things: what is available to your plants easily and immediately, and what the total nutrient reservoir of the soil is. The first question can be answered with a Saturated Paste Test, the other with a Standard Soil Test. At Biologic we recommend the Complete Soil Analysis which includes both the Saturated Paste and Standard Soil tests. We also offer a third-party custom recommendation service to help you interpret your test results and create a soil fertility plan based on your unique requirements.
Dirt is dead, soil is Alive! A single tablespoon of soil contains billions of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, and earthworms all working together to support plant growth and productivity. Not only do soil microorganisms nourish and protect plants, they play a crucial role in essential ecological processes such as climate regulation, mitigation of drought and floods, soil erosion prevention, and water filtration. The living soil where we grow our food is perhaps the most important resource for a sustainable and healthy future for the earth’s human population.
Do you ever marvel at how a coastal California Redwood tree can grow to be over 30 stories tall without added fertilizer? Or do you wonder how a wild fig tree can produce hundreds of pounds of fruit year after year without the use of pesticides? It is the diversity and quantity of beneficial soil organisms that make such extraordinary growth and productivity possible.
