Soil is a biologically active, living community. When we support this abundant, soil based community we create the right environment for our crops to do well.

Why are we concerned about soil biology?  Dr Christine Jones, groundcover and soil ecologist, outlines the activity of microbes in the soil enhances soil structural stability, aeration, water infiltration and water-holding capacity.  These soil borne communities also increase the availability of the minerals and trace elements required to maintain the health and vitality of our crops. Well-structured soils are also less prone to erosion, compaction and function more effectively as bio-filters.

Dr Christine Jones outlines activities to support soil biological communities include keeping productive soils covered by growing mixed species cover crops between our main crops. A diversity of plant species is the key to cover crops. Also,  protecting and keeping the soil covered with a full crop canopy for as much of the year as possible.  When soil biology and enzymes are exposed in cultivated, bare soil they are denatured by temperatures over 40°C.

We can also apply additional organic matter in the form of compost as well as using microbe friendly additives such as gypsum, seaweed & fish fertiliser as a soil drench to support the underground workforce. The more inputs  you adopt into your soil management programme the more resilient your soil will become over time.

Dr Christine Jones outlines plants in communities assist each other by linking together in vast underground super highways through which they can exchange carbon, water and nutrients. As a  benefit, these common mycorrhizal networks increase plant resistance to pest and diseases as well as enhancing plant vigour and improving soil health.

Soil microbes break down dead plant material and other organic matter which is bound to clays at a molecular level via calcium. Earthworm activity is increased by calcium, and this brings with it many benefits including increased aeration, increased mixing of organic matter, and macropore formation. Regular annual application of gypsum will supply plant available calcium and sulphate sulphur, supporting the activity of soil micro organisms.

It is imperative to correct any drainage issues in heavier clay soils.  When surface pooling of water happens for extended periods this shuts down aerobic soil biology, creating anaerobic conditions.

Apply regular annual applications of Gypsum to heavy clay soils to assist fine clay particles to aggregate, improve soil aeration and structure which will allow soil to drain more freely after rain events.

Gypsum can be blended with agricultural lime in a 60:40 gypsum mix, this will provide upfront calcium, supplied from the gypsum, as well as slow release calcium, supplied from the agricultural lime.

Talk to your local fertiliser rep about using gypsum as part of a healthy soil programme. Gypsum is BioGro certified. Gypsum, it all starts with healthy soil.

References

1. Advancing Eco Ag website, podcast: Fertiliser management for market gardens John Kempf -- Simple & Comprehensive Fertility Management for Market Gardens

2. Light Farming by Dr Christine Jones, Welcome to Amazing Carbon!