The Unforgotten Friend

John Krabacher

I will admit I am no expert in gardening or even farming but I am learning advantages of techniques every year. After receiving the vision of growing food and feeding people by producing vegetables on land that was not gardened before, many that know me, thought I was crazy. Maybe, I was, 5 years later I have realized not crazy just passionate.

Recently, my wife and I came across some facts by watching two videos on You Tube “Kiss the Ground” and “Living Soil”.  I will tell you some of the recent facts.  Sit back and read on.

I do believe in climate change, but I was not sure until recently what was causing it. I was not sure it was industrial, but I am sure it is agriculture, the worldwide farming practices, especially in the USA. Farmers trying to get more and more yield on the land by adding chemicals produced by the larger companies. Artificial fertilizers and pesticides.

Let us look at why we till and recently no till is popular. According to an article “Renewing the Soil” Farms around the world, people are working as hard as they can to produce crops only to see production decrease with each passing year of soil fertility.   When we till according to “Kiss the Ground” carbon is released into the air. Wait, is that science says of the causes of climate change? Farmers and gardeners are moving toward no till options. I know you will say the samething I say, “No till is more work.” I will say, yes, it is. However, you can get larger yield production and after the soil is restored it will become your friend and help to grow more flowers or vegetables.

The soil is not a living organism, it does provide a place where organisms live. These organisms interact with the air, water, inert elements in the soil. When these organisms are killed and not able to reproduce, the topsoil suffers can even be killed.

Soil organisms can come alive again by adding organic matter and microbes. Adding organic matter promotes beneficial bacteria growth, improves oxygen levels, and enhances soil quality and texture. You can make your own home brew of soil conditional by making your own compost or adding fermented food wastes to soil. Adding soil conditioner can also loosen compacted soil for easier planting.

Helping the soil can help the gardener or farmer to produce more than ever expected. Dodge the big companies and go natural.