Soil Science for Gardeners: Working with Nature to Build Soil Health

Soil Science for Gardeners is a three-part popular science guidebook that debunks common soil myths, explores the rhizosphere, and provides a personalized soil fertility improvement program for home gardeners, market gardeners, and micro-farmers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2020
Publisher: New Society Publishers

Healthy soil is the foundation of thriving plants, yet many gardeners struggle to understand the complex soil ecosystem and optimize soil health. Soil Science for Gardeners is a comprehensive, science-based guide that aims to bridge this knowledge gap and empower gardeners to create optimal conditions for healthy soil and abundant plant growth.

Part 1: Debunking Common Soil Myths

In this section, Robert Pavlis, a seasoned gardener with over four decades of experience, dispels common soil myths and misconceptions. He explains that soil is not a lifeless substance but a dynamic ecosystem that is teeming with life, including bacteria, fungi, and insects. Pavlis challenges the notion that soil fertility is solely determined by the amount of nutrients present and emphasizes the importance of soil structure, pH, and organic matter content.

He also discusses the role of the rhizosphere, the thin layer of liquid and soil surrounding plant roots, in plant health. The rhizosphere is a rich source of nutrients and microorganisms that help plants absorb water and nutrients, resist pests and diseases, and promote root growth. Pavlis explains how to create conditions that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms and enhance the rhizosphere's productivity.

Part 2: Exploring the Rhizosphere

In this section, Pavlis delves deeper into the rhizosphere and its role in soil fertility. He explains how plants interact with the rhizosphere through their roots and how the rhizosphere influences soil chemistry and biology. Pavlis discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy soil microbiome, which includes beneficial bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, and how to promote the growth of these microorganisms.

He also provides practical tips for analyzing soil fertility and identifying common soil health problems. Pavlis explains how to use soil testing kits to measure pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content and how to interpret the results to create a personalized plan for improving soil fertility.

Part 3: Creating a Personalized Soil Fertility Improvement Program

In this section, Pavlis guides gardeners through the process of creating a personalized soil fertility improvement program. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and priorities and developing a cost-effective plan that aligns with the gardener's time and resources. Pavlis provides tips for identifying the most critical areas of soil improvement and developing a plan that addresses those issues.

He also discusses the creation of optimal conditions for nature to do the heavy lifting of building soil fertility. Pavlis suggests incorporating organic matter, such as compost, into the soil, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, and promoting soil biodiversity through the planting of a variety of plants.

Written for the home gardener, market gardener plants, and micro-farmers, Soil Science for Gardeners is packed with information and practical tips to help gardeners grow thriving plants. The book covers soil biology and chemistry, common soil health problems, analyzing soil fertility and plant nutrients, creating a personalized plan for improving soil fertility, and setting priorities and goals in a cost-effective, realistic time frame.

Conclusion

Healthy soil is the foundation of thriving plants, and Soil Science for Gardeners provides gardeners with the knowledge and tools they need to create optimal conditions for healthy soil and abundant plant growth. By debunking common soil myths, exploring the rhizosphere, and creating a personalized soil fertility improvement program, gardeners can cultivate a garden that is not only beautiful but also sustainable and resilient. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this book is a valuable resource that will help you achieve your gardening goals.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780865719309