The quality of the soil directly affects the quality of the plant, and in turn garden, farm, and the crops they grow.
Some indications of poor quality soil can include, wilted leaves in hot weather even when watered, yellowing leaves, blossom end rot, water that drains slowly, pools to the surface, or runs off the surface.
Productive soil consists of a dynamic community including, insects, bacteria, and fungi. The fuel and food source this community depends on is organic matter.
Oregon State University has some simple ways to assess the organic matter content of your soil.
Use your eyes. Soils with adequate organic matter content are dark in color, both because they have more humus, which is dark, and because they hold more water.
Look for puddling and standing water. Soils rich in organic matter content and with good tilth allow water to percolate below the surface.
Use your fingers. Look for aggregated soils. If you rub the soil between your fingers, the soil will seem to contain “crumbs” made up of mineral and organic particles. The crumbs are examples of aggregation and are the result of sticky substances released by soil bacteria after feeding on organic matter. Aggregation generates soil structure.
Use your nose. Soils with adequate organic matter content have the rich smell of earth. Soils that have poor air circulation, a result of reduced organic matter content, may smell sour.
Many farmers and home gardeners are finding the benefits of Organic black worm castings to enhance the organic matter in their soil.
Worm casting are very rich plant food and high in microbial content, as well as amoebas, nematodes, protists, adding another tier of life. Organic matter is digested by earthworms, as it passes through their digestive system they excrete castings, a nutrient rich product that provide sustainable nutrition and organic matter, ready for the plant to use. The castings and chemicals can be incorporated into soil, applied as a mulch, or made into a liquid tea fertilizer improving structure, soil and aeration.
As a leader in the industry, Vermitechnology Unlimited is your source for pure organic fertilizers derived from black casting, worm farming and composting supplies. For over 40 years we have been providing quality products for wholesalers, distributors, retailers, growers and hobbyists.
Contact Orlando Vermitechnology today and check out our great products.