Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality?

24 March 2017

The soil is a fundamental resource base for agricultural production systems. Besides being the main medium for crop growth, soil functions to sustain crop productivity and maintain environmental quality. Soil quality is determined by the soil’s ability to perform these functions.

Organic gardening means avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides without necessarily implying that plants are left to fend for themselves. Therefore, it is Merely creating the best possible environment for plant growth using biological processes that create a supply of nutrients to the plants and maintain the structural and biological integrity of the soil.

Organic farming provides sites for nutrient retention by adding compost, animal and green manures in soil. In the process, soil nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium among others are added to the soil.

Leading gardening professionals such as Tree Service Deltona point out that organic farming can help promote sustainability and improve crop productivity. It can also allow helping create an ecosystem that is not dependent on artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals that ultimately end up getting into the composition of the vehicles.

Several natural soil enhancers used in organic gardening include:

Humus: This basically refers to completely decomposed, stable organic matter. Organic materials are decomposed over a long period of time. Humus has important functions in soil, particularly in enhancing soil structure and water-holding capacity

Growing of cover crops: A wide range of cover crops can be grown to enhance soil building properties. Mixtures of cover crops may be the best way to maximize soil building properties. When allowed to decompose, these cover crops have a large amount of biomass that when released into the soil have benefits. Examples of cover crops include leguminous grasses

Compost: Compost is one of the most stable forms of crop nutrients and is an effective means of building soil organic matter, it is also rich in carbon particularly when produced with carbon-rich materials.

Application of compost or manure is an effective means of building up soil organic matter, feeding a wide range of beneficial micro-organisms that aerate the soil and maintain soil PH levels.

A PH of 7 is neutral while values below 7 show increasing acidity and those above 7 show increasing alkalinity. When natural manures are used, the amount of soil PH is naturally maintained since artificial fertilizers add certain elements to the soil such as zinc and copper which when their levels are high become very toxic to the soil.

Through organic farming, soil organic matter is increased thus making the soil to be healthy and its quality also increased. The Use of natural manures aids in moisture retention within the soil, thus ensuring that the crops being grown in the farming process don’t lose water to several biological processes such as evaporation. This is because the amount of water being retained by the soil is more than the lost amount by several factors. This is especially vital in sandy soils, which have low water retention capabilities due to their well-drained nature.

Building soil quality by the use of organic methods helps increase the soil’s resilience. This is the ability to overcome stress or to bounce back after being disturbed. Crops grown in resilient soils have a better ability to withstand extreme conditions such as drought, flood, extremely high temperatures or pest infection.

Using a case study of a carrot sprout, which is mainly grown in home gardens and known for their sweet taste, we will notice that they are hard to grow and they thrive in areas of minimal artificial fertilizers and thus would do best in organic gardens that use natural means of soil improvement. They would also be best in chilly aquatic conditions considering the amount of moisture needed during their growth to full maturity.

You may have asked yourself this question – what do carrot sprouts look like. Well, carrot sprouts look like grass and can easily be mistaken for weeds in a garden.

Carrots are best grown in sandy soils since the sandy soil is well-drained in contrast to the high amounts of moisture needed to grow the carrots. The use of organic methods of enhancing the soil moisture retention will ensure that the conditions are similar to that of the best aquatic chiller thus favoring the growth of the carrots even in well-drained soils.

The growth of carrots is a good indication of how organic gardening is beneficial to the improvement of soil quality and also in ensuring that the conditions for the growth of several crops are successful, unlike when artificial enhancers such as fertilizers are used.

Advantages of organic gardening

Stabilizes the soil with time by repairing the soil composition and restoring the soil structure so as to ensure its properties are retained

Improve with time by using adequate and adaptive techniques to restore key soil functions

Increase productivity since a number of nutrients provided by the soil is adequate for crop growth

Provides healthy food supply since the crop produced is by natural means and artificial enhancers are not in the components of the crop which is being grown.

Organic gardening, therefore, does improve the quality of the soil.

Lucia Patterson

Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.

View all posts

How to select a weed wacker

It is often said that if the grass is greener on the other side, you need to work on your lawn. One of the tools that can help you to maintain your lawn and keep it in good shape is the weed wacker. Also known as a string trimmer or a weed eater, this versatile tool is designed to keep your lawn free from weeds and tall grasses. But selecting the right weed wacker for your lawn can be quite a task if you don’t know where to begin. Outlined below are a few things that you need to keep in mind while selecting a weed wacker. Examine the area of action One of the first things that you need to examine is the area where you plan to use the weed wacker. Not just the size of your yard or lawn, you must consider its distance from available electrical outlets as well. While a small yard will provide you more flexibility in terms of the weed wacker you select, it may not be always true for a large yard. For instance, if you need to remove strong weeds from the far end of a large lawn, an electric trimmer may not be the perfect machine to opt for because of the distance of the spot from the electrical outlet. Additionally, you must keep in mind any structures or features present in or near your lawn, such as bushes and fences. The weed wacker you select must be able to work smoothly around such things. Consider the intensity of the task The type of weed you need to remove with the weed wacker also plays a significant role in its selection. If you are looking to eliminate normal weeds from your lawn, a standard weed wacker will usually be sufficient for your requirements. But if you need to use it for more intense weed cutting purposes, such as removal of tough weeds or cutting of thick grass covering a large segment of the lawn, a commercial-grade machine will be a better option for you. Pay attention to the mode of operation Weed wackers are available in various types, including electric, gas, and battery-operated models. Battery and gas operated models do not need the use of extension cords. So, they offer more freedom as far as the mobility of the tool is concerned. But battery-operated models need to be frequently recharged. Gas operated models can be used for bigger jobs, where more time is required. Electric models are light, quiet, and easy to use. But they are restricted by the extension cord. Select the mode of operation based on your requirements. Keep your budget in mind The make or break of any buying decision ultimately depends on the budget. So, set a basic budget first and then look for a model that satisfies your budget as well as your weed eating requirements. But before you finalize your decision, do not forget to compare the features of the different models. You can check out the best weed wackers here to get an idea of their budgets and features. Read also: Lawn Care Maintenance Services And Tips Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality?

5 Essential Tips to Designing a Beautiful Front Yard Garden

Over the years, the perception of gardening has changed from the traditional method of tilling a patch in the backyard for fruits and vegetables to more sophisticated types of gardening. Front yard gardening is steadily taking root in the suburbs as homeowners strive to decorate their front yards with more than hydrangeas in the flower bed. Needless to say, front yard gardening adds aesthetic value to the property and not just for you but your neighbors as well. In open-plan neighborhoods, exposed front yards call for constant admiration or scrutiny from neighbors who may get upset if they do not approve of what is in your yard. If you are confused about which plants will be able to uplift the aesthetics of the garden you can always count on experts in the industry. Home and property owners can get a mix of plants selected by Tree Service Roseville that are not only pleasant to look at, but also require low maintenance. This will help you keep your garden in top shape and be appreciated by everyone that visits the same. 5 Essential Tips to Designing a Beautiful Front Yard Garden An unsightly front yard is likely to hurt your neighbor's property as well. For instance, if he is trying to sell his home, open house visits with potential buyers will not go well if there are overgrown bushes right next door. Some neighborhood associations go as far as stipulating guidelines on what is allowed in the front yard. If you are contemplating starting a garden in your front yard, read on for useful tips. 1. Determine Size of the Garden How much land you allocate for your front garden is dependent on the size of your front yard; you cannot extend your garden to the neighbor's property. Consider other activities that go on your front yard, for instance, parking vehicles, a playpen for young children, and so on. Read also: 3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How To Design Planting beds can be horizontal, along with the width of the house, or vertical from the house to the sidewalk to the fence. Leave enough space for a walkway so that people can access the home with ease without the risk of stepping on plants or getting their shoes muddy from dirt. 2. Select Mix of Plants Once you know how much land is available, identify a plant. Since front yard gardens are meant to enhance the look of your home, avoid monotony in one crop. Try a mix of different plants that will look great when they grow and plants that do not compete for nutrients. You also need suitable methods of nourishing your plants to give them the best chance of survival. Applying fertilizer and compost will greatly boost the nutrient content of the soil. Whatever plants you settle for, they should not block the view of the street-facing windows as this will block natural sunlight from gracing your living room or kitchen. Bushy plants with overgrown foliage look unsightly and are likely to mar the look of your front yard. Drop by your local garden store and find the best pole saw for trimming excess foliage to maintain the desired look and avoid harboring pests. 3. Establish Order While growing a variety of plants in your front yard is encouraged, do not get carried away. Planting too many species affects the appearance of the landscape making looks like different patches of land with no cohesion. This type of mess is best moved to the backyard away from the prying eye of onlookers. Read also: How to make a perfect summer retreat from your backyard Gardening experts recommend five to ten species of perennials, three to five shrubs and if you like, add two varieties of trees. Before making a decision, investigate what types of plants thrive in the climatic conditions of your area. 4. Regular Maintenance Having a front yard garden demands your full attention. You cannot afford to ignore drooping leaves, weak stems, or an insect infestation. Establish a maintenance routine that works well with your other responsibilities such as work or taking care of the family. Regardless of your schedule, there are important activities that must be done on a regular basis and sometimes daily. For instance, watering, trimming bushes, weeding, etc. You can choose to do this in the evening after work or if you are too busy, enlist the services of a gardener during the day. 5. Year-Round Gardening When starting a front garden, you want your plants to grow throughout as opposed to only a few months of the year. While not all plants can do well in the dead of winter or the sweltering heat of summer, you can count on evergreen trees and shrubs. Planting trees in your garden provide a natural fence around your property and trees provide natural shade for smaller plants. A reasonable amount of shade helps to control evaporation in the hotter months of the year A front yard garden may be the solution you have been looking for since you purchased your home. Gardening is an ideal alternative to mowing the lawn and running sprinklers all day. You do not have to do it all by yourself; involve the rest of the family for some added fun.

What Are Trailing Plants? – What Are The Types Of Trailing Plants?

According to many people, having a garden in your house is said to invoke a real sense of creativity. People say this because they seem to feel refreshed and creative if there is a lot of vegetation surrounding them. Also, many consider gardening to be an innovative form of expression. Therefore, which plant to have in your garden will decide its beauty in the eyes of the beholder. If you are new to gardening, then this article is for you. Here, you will learn about the various types of trailing plants and some of the best breeds of them. What Are Trailing Plants? Trailing plants are a unique breed of pretty long and slender plants. Their stems grow more extended, often taking up the length of the entire room vertically. These plants are generally kept in balconies and bigger rooms, like dining or living rooms. They are also typically placed in pots and then hung from the ceiling. These plants are often called creepers or climbers, or even spiky plants because they have slender stems mistaken for vines. These vines require support to grow. Therefore, they follow the surface of the roofs or the walls to propel themselves and grow in a specific direction. Types Of Trailing Plants There are two distinct types of trailing plants that can be categorized. They are, 1. Flowering Trailing Plants As the name suggests, flowering trailing plants are simply trailing plants that can produce flowers of their own. These often look great because when these trailing plants become bigger, they will make flowers all over their stems. The longer their vines have grown, the more flowers they will produce. 2. Non-Flowering Trailing Plants As the name suggests, non-flowering trailing plants are the direct opposite of flowering trailing plants. These foliage plants do not produce any flowers and are mostly greenish yellowish. These are the most common types of trailing plants that you get to see in people's houses Best Trailing Plants For Your Garden If you have finally decided to buy trailing plants, then here are seven of the breeds that we highly recommend you add to your balcony or garden. 1. Golden Pothos One of the most popular trailing plants in the market is scientifically known as Epipremnum Aureum. We recommend you start your trailing plants gardening journey with this newbie-friendly plant. Because setting up this plant to hang from the ceiling is the first thing you should learn - how to hang trailing plants. This plant is a low maintenance plant since it requires almost no cutting since you can leave it to hand and grow naturally in a basket from your ceiling. Read More: Grow these flowering plants in your home garden 2. Red Herringbone Scientifically known as the Maranta Leuconeura Erythroneura, this plant is one of the best trailing plants indoors. It has a trippy, attractive design on its leaves highlighted by its red color and unique look. The distinctive red patterns of the leaves of this plant have been compared to the mark of a herringbone. The unique aspect of big leaf plants is that they close up their leaves during the night, giving them the shape of a hand-folded prayer position. This is why many people call this plant the prayer plant. We recommend this plant for experienced gardeners since it needs high maintenance to grow safely. 3. Staghorn Fern Scientifically known as the Platycerium Bifurcatum, this plant has been called strange by many gardeners due to its leaves' odd, uneven shape. This trailing plant is best kept in a wooden basket with compost, and other organic matter buried deep in the compost. Again, we recommend this plant for experienced gardeners since it requires specific gardening skills to grow these tropical plants fully. Additionally, this plant is best kept in a humid place outside the range of direct sunlight. 4. String Of Pearls These types of trailing succulent plants are scientifically known as Senecio Rowleyanus. Its leaves are smaller than the other plants mentioned on this list, which look like tiny, green pearls. However, upon closer observation, you will notice that it looks like a green string is keeping the pearly leaves attached to the vine. This is why it is called a string of pearls, one of the most aesthetic plants. Sometimes, the top of the compost becomes very dry. This is an indicator that the plant needs watering. Generally, this plant likes to remain dry. But too dry will result in its untimely demise. Therefore, always keep a lookout for the dryness of the plant's compost. 5. Spider Plant As the name suggests, this trailing plant looks like a spider. Botanically named as the Chlorophytum Comosum, this easy to grow plant is another common tracking plant that you see in many households. Maintaining this plant is easy since all it needs is well-drained potting soil and exposure to bright, indirect sunlight. Just remember to water it frequently, and keep it as a bedroom plant. You May Also Like This: 4 Essential Tools Needed to Maintain Your Garden in the Winter 6. Creeping Jenny While the name might sound very creepy, its looks and beauty tell a different story. These bright fluorescent green trailing indoor plants are famous for their round leaves. Their vines also grow long, till about 18 inches in length. Unlike other trailing plants on this list, these plants can be placed on the soil and can also be hung from the ceiling in a pot or basket. 7. Million Bells Also known as the Calibrachoa, it is one of the most highly colorful and vibrant trailing plants ever to exist. This is because it is a flowering plant. But that is not its only specialty. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that its flowers can be of random colors, from red, blue, purple, to pink. This is perfect for you if you want trailing plants for hanging baskets. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. What Is The Best Trailing Plant? There are many great trailing plants like Million Bells, Golden Pothos, and Red Herringbone, to name a few. Q2. What Plants Are Trailing Plants? Trailing plants can be identified by their long vines that grow along the side of walls. Q3. What Are Trailing Plants Called? Trailing plants are also called spillers, creepers, and viners. Q4. What Is A Trailing Flowering Plant? Trailing plants that produce flowers are known as trailing flowering plants. Conclusion Trailing plants are one of the best choices for keeping plants in your home. These plants look great and unique. These plants look even better if you hang them from your ceiling in a basket or round vase. If you are a beginner at gardening, then we recommend growing plants like the Golden Pothos or the Spider Plant. And if you are an experienced grower, then we recommend plants like the Red Herringbone and the Million Bells. If you found out which trailing plants to buy, then check out our other articles as well! Read Also: How to Maintain Your Garden Railings? 5 Best Vegetables You Should Try Growing In Your Garden Looking for a Gardener: 8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Professional

Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality?

Several natural soil enhancers used in organic gardening include:

Advantages of organic gardening

Top Expert Tips for a Stunning Condo Interior!

How To Make Your Home Look Like A Splendid Hotel?

Tags

Lucia Patterson

Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea

How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?

7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design

The 10 WordPress Plugins Every Sucessful Blogger Uses

Follow Us

Recent

Choose Quality Car Hoists From The Premium Car Tools Suppliers

51 Blue Collar Jobs/Career Options To Pursue If You Get Laid Off From Big Tech In 2024

How To Use AI Copywriting For Small Businesses

Moreno Valley Plumbing Pros: Your Reliable Plumbing Experts

Related

How to select a weed wacker

5 Essential Tips to Designing a Beautiful Front Yard Garden

What Are Trailing Plants? – What Are The Types Of Trailing Plants?

Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality?

Several natural soil enhancers used in organic gardening include:

Advantages of organic gardening

Share this Article

Top Expert Tips for a Stunning Condo Interior!

How To Make Your Home Look Like A Splendid Hotel?

Tags

Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related