When we talk about gardening, most of us focus on the plants above ground. Yet the real action happens beneath the surface, where a complex soil ecosystem gives birth to plant life. This underground network comprised of organisms, insects, fungi, etc. is what we call “living soil,” and it’s the secret to healthy, thriving gardens. In this article, we’ll delve into what living soil means, why it’s crucial to grow anything, and how you can convert the dead soil to living it in your garden.

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Understanding Living Soil

Living soil isn’t just a mixture of sand, silt, and clay; it’s a bustling community of organisms that work together to create a balanced environment. It contains bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms, and more, all contributing to the breakdown of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and the creation of soil structure.

This complex ecosystem is what makes the soil capable of being able to support a plant and increase its resilience against pest attacks, etc. When we focus on fostering living soil, we are promoting a self-sustaining system that reduces the need for synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides while supporting vibrant plant growth.

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The Importance of Living Soil

1. Nutrient Cycling: Microorganisms in living soil break down organic matter into nutrients that plants can use. This natural process provides a steady flow of essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, ensuring plants get what they need to grow.
2. Soil Structure: Certain fungi, like mycorrhizae, form networks that bind soil particles, creating a porous texture that improves water and air circulation. This structure helps roots penetrate deeper and prevents soil compaction.
3. Disease Suppression: A diverse soil ecosystem can naturally fend off harmful pathogens. Beneficial bacteria and fungi compete with or suppress disease-causing organisms, reducing the risk of plant diseases.
4. Reduced Chemical Use: By nurturing living soil, you can cut down on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This approach not only saves money but also reduces environmental impact.

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Cultivating and Maintaining Living Soil

1. Add Organic Matter: Compost, mulch, and cover crops are rich in organic matter, which feeds the soil organisms and enhances soil structure. Regularly adding organic matter helps keep the soil ecosystem thriving.
2. NO Tilling: Tilling can disrupt soil organisms and lead to compaction. Consider no-till practices to protect soil structure. Do not disturb the soil.
3. Plant Diversity: Diverse plantings encourage a broader range of soil organisms. Crop rotation and companion planting are effective ways to maintain soil health and prevent nutrient depletion and pest attacks.
4. Use Organic Fertilizers: If your garden needs extra nutrients, choose organic fertilizers like cow dung compost, chicken manure, etc. They release nutrients gradually, supporting soil life without harming it.
5. Water Wisely: Proper watering is key to the living soil. Water deeply but not too often to encourage deep root growth. Protect evaporation loss by mulching. Overwatering can damage soil organisms by reducing oxygen levels and can lead to rot.

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Living Soil vs Dead Soil

Pointers	LIVING SOIL + Heavy mulched	DEAD SOIL = Bare
De- weeding	• No De-weeding. Thick mulch stops the unwanted plants from growing due to lack of light.	• Continuous de-weeding. Exposed soil.
Water Requirements	• Less water is needed.	• Requires more water due to evaporation.
Soil Texture	• Extremely soft and crumbly. • No tilling is required (organisms do the tilling work making small tunnels while moving inside soil.)	• Compacted and hard soil. Need daily tilling for aeration and there’s no soil life.
Organisms	• Creepy crawlies, earthworms, mushrooms, mycelium and fungi can be seen with the naked eye. • They do all the work of keeping your plants and soil healthy.	• When taken on hand, no sign of much life will be seen.
Color	• Darker in colour.	• Mostly lighter in colour.
Climate Change impact	• More resilient plants and protect soil from hailstorms, floods and heavy rain	• Climate change factors like hailstorms and floods will cause the soil to splash and erode. It will expose the roots as there is no cushioning present such as mulch to protect.
Sunlight impact	• Doesn’t reach the soil. So, organisms are protected from sun heat. Also, moisture retention is there.	• Soil is exposed to harsh sunlight causing all the present life in soil to die and water loss.
Environmental Impact	• Absorbs and stores carbon	• Contributes to degradation, dust pollution, and soil erosion
Fertilizers	• Natural fertilizers like Cow dung compost, leaf mould compost, etc. are used. ➤(N)itrogen – Rhizobium Azobactor – a bacteria which is found in nitrogen-fixing plants (bean family like Siris, Sheesham, Moringa, Peanuts, etc.) converts nitrogen from the air and makes it available to plants surrounding. ➤(P)hosphorus – Bird’s droppings ➤(K)Potassium – Chop and drop and mulch. Present in bio-mass.	• The use of chemical fertilizers causes cancer and other diseases. ➤(N)itrogen – Urea Fertilizer. ➤ (P)hosphorus – DAP Chemical Fertilizers ➤(K)Potassium – Potassium chemical fertilizers
Diversity	• Permaculture – Planting a diversity of food forest layers like trees, shrubs, climbers, etc. (Attracts birds which sit on branches, poop and naturally fertilize the soil.)	• Single crop is grown at a time- monoculture

Conclusion

Plants can not absorb nutrients from the soil directly. Micr- organisms in living soil make the nutrients absorbable for plants by breaking them down into plant food.

Basically, by mulching the soil heavily (with dry leaves and chop and drop), the food forest way, we provide food (organic matter) to the micro-organisms, insects, earthworms, etc. to eat. They eat, digest and poop the waste which becomes food for the plants.

Then again plants die when mature and provide food for the organisms. That is how the cycle of soil continues year by year and we are left with beautiful rich black gold living soil that has the potential to support all the life on earth.

When we say “living soil,” we refer to a vibrant ecosystem that supports plant life in profound ways. By creating this soil ecosystem, you can create a garden that’s not only healthier but also more sustainable. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, understanding and caring for living soil can make all the difference. Enjoy the journey to a more vibrant garden!

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