Soil health refers to the physical, mineral and biological condition of the soil and its potential to sustain biological functioning, absorb water and promote plant and animal nutrition and health. Healthy soils are better able to retain function during, and recover after, stress or disturbance – such as too much or too little rain.
However, despite good practices of many of our farmers and land managers, our soil health has been depleted. Carbon content is severely reduced due to a lack of organic matter, and resultant water-holding capacity is poor. Nutrient availability for plants and animals has been compromised by poor soil health and structure and the ever-increasing reliance on chemical inputs.
Adding organic matter to soil increases carbon levels, increases soil biodiversity, improves soil structure, improves water retention, balances salinity and provides a source of food for soil habitants such as earth worms, good bacteria and fungi.
One major advantage of compost is its ability to hold moisture, retain it for longer, increase the amount of water available to plant roots, and minimise the need for irrigation. Ultimately, improving water saving practices and reducing economic overheads for farmers. But how exactly does it do this?
If we dig deeper, we find that compost helps to save on water in a few different ways.
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Growing indoor plants is the perfect solution if you lack the room for an outside garden or just wish to bring natural beauty inside. Even while not...
