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<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tHealthy soil is sustainable soil – there\u2019s no arguing about that. With good soil, you will be getting better results year on year, and most probably – with fewer costs. This is why it\u2019s important to \u201clisten\u201d to your soil\u2019s needs and take care of it properly.<\/p>\n
We compiled a short guide to good practices you can start incorporating today!<\/p>\n
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Get started by getting to know the components of the soil, what it has plenty of and what it needs to be supplemented with. You will find out the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, its PH levels and organic matter levels.<\/p>\n
This will help you find out what needs to change so that you can get the best of your soil situation. It\u2019s important to note that almost every type of soil needs adjustments from time to time since you\u2019re working with it and constantly making use of its nutrients. And constantly taking them away by harvesting, right?<\/p>\n
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Once you know what the soil needs, it\u2019s time to pick the right mixture of nutrients in the right form and ratio. There are more than 15 nutrients that plants need, and most fertilizers give you only 3-5 of them. So, conventional or organic?<\/p>\n
Conventional fertilizers are cheaper, easier to get hold of and more economical. On the other hand, you certainly won\u2019t get the best results using only this type.<\/p>\n
Organic fertilizers are more expensive, more difficult to find and you\u2019ll need more in terms of quantity. But the quality and the results are worth it!<\/p>\n
Some people use a mixture of both – a wise decision if you have to take care of larger plots. For example, if your soil needs more potassium, get potassium sulfate – but then continue with organic matter.<\/p>\n
Organic fertilizers are best homegrown. If you have access to manure or have considered composting, go for it – this is the natural way things have happened for ages!<\/p>\n
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Crop rotation and the use of cover crops is trending recently. And it\u2019s no surprise since these methods have proven to be an amazing way to improve soil quality and keep it in top shape. Whether you\u2019ll choose to rotate crops on an annual basis, or only use cover crops in winter, depends on the best practices in your region. Consult an experienced farmer in your area to get first-hand advice – they will know what works best.<\/p>\n
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Tilling is considered aggressive by some farmers, while others embrace it fully. The truth is, if you use the soil properly and keep track of its needs, the no-till approach can save you time and resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo-till\u201d means you add the fertilizing materials to the top layer of the soil and let them decompose naturally. You\u2019ll have to wait a bit to reap the benefits, but you will know that every bit of the soil is taken care of with the exclusive help of the best natural fertilizers – earthworms.<\/p>\n