Soil

Water is often called the “lifeblood” of soil, but this phrase only begins to capture its central importance. Whether supporting the vast fields of the Midwest, dense tropical rainforests, or…

Will hardware cloth contaminate soil in your vegetable garden is a valid concern for any eco-conscious grower. The materials used in galvanized steel and welded wire mesh can theoretically leach…

Excessive soil salinity silently destroys millions of hectares of farmland every year, reducing crop yields and threatening global food security. This post explains the primary causes, why certain croplands are…

Organic matter affects nutrient availability in soil by acting as a reservoir of essential elements and fueling the microbial activity that releases them. This natural process determines how well your…

Deciding which is a renewable resource among coal, oil, plants, or soil requires a clear understanding of how each one forms and regenerates. Many people mistakenly lump all natural resources…

Should you get gardening soil from Habitat for Humanity? This is a common question for thrifty gardeners who want quality soil without paying retail prices. Habitat for Humanity ReStores sometimes…

Which property of soil depends on the size of particles? The answer is soil texture, a fundamental characteristic that defines how soil feels, drains, and supports plant life. This post…

The first Europeans to arrive on Japanese soil were Portuguese sailors who landed on the tiny island of Tanegashima in 1543. This chance encounter sparked a century of trade, cultural…

Expanding garden soil is a popular choice for raised beds and container gardening, but many gardeners wonder if it is safe and effective for growing vegetables. This post explains what…

Dark highly decomposed organic matter found in soil is known as humus, the stable, nutrient-rich fraction that gives fertile earth its characteristic dark color. This post explains what humus is,…