Summary

In this section we have looked at the importance of understanding the soil you have available in your growing space, and some simple techniques to enable you to assess and improve your soil. 

The four main methods we use to build and maintain a healthy soil in organic growing are:

  1. Adding organic matter to add nutrients and create a good structure for plant roots to penetrate.
  2. Minimise digging to avoid disturbing the complex soil life.
  3. Plan your planting using crop rotation to make best use of the available soil nutrients and minimise pests and diseases.
  4. Grow beneficial plants like green manures, which hold nutrients in the soil and help suppress weeds.

Best organic practice symbolReflect: How well do you know your soil? Which of the techniques explained in this module could you use to help inform your choices when considering how to improve your soil health? 

Before you move onto the next section, complete the following short quiz on knowing and improving your soil. 

Begin section 2: Why compost?

Exit to module homepage