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BALANCED SOILS
  
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HEALTHY SOIL
Soil health depends on the interaction of three basics sciences.
Each discipline is responsible for specific jobs or processes in the soil.
When one or more of the sciences are out of balance, the soil will no longer be able to
function effectively. It is much like an upside down pyramid (left). If any one of the three sciences
go out of balance, the entire pyramid (your soil) falls down.
To read more about Chemistry, Physics & Biology, click the triangle on the left.
Common Characteristics of Healthy Soil
Drains and warms up quickly in the spring - water does not stand in large quantizes, soil warms quickly in the spring with the heat of the sun.
Soil does not crust after planting - soil structure is such that air and water can be absorbed easily.
Soil soaks up heavy rains with little run off - soil structure acts like a sponge, absorbing the rain and moisture as it becomes available.
Soil stores moisture for dry spells - soil structure allows for storage of moisture as it is accumulated.
Soil resists erosion and nutrient loss - soil structure is flocculated, colloids are attached in an "I" beam formation rather than stacked against each other.Is an ideal environment for microbes - need a neutral environment that contains food and nutrients, oxygen and energy and a place to live.
Soil does not require increasing amount of fertilizer to maintain good yields - soil ecosystem is capable of recycling most nutrients returned to the soil through trash and debris.
Soil produces healthy, high quality crops - plants are able to absorb the minerals, water and nutrients they need when they need it, they naturally create food. It's their job.
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