Transcript:
Nutrient Dense Soil – Lesson 4 Transcript
Homework:
Observing the Soil Food Web:
Since most gardeners don’t have their own microscope… a magnifying glass is the next best thing. Although a magnifying glass will only show the very largest members of the soil community, it will still give you an idea of the activity in your soil.
Find an annual vegetable plant, or weed, that is ready to be pulled for any reason.
Pull it up slowly by the roots, being careful to pull it up carefully to save the small soil clumps around the root ball and rhizosphere.
Using a large manila folder or piece of white cardboard as a catchment area, tap the root ball with a trowel and spread the resulting material around the catchment board. Use the magnifying glass to examine any organisms that may have fallen out of that material.
Common members might be worms, centipedes, beetles, mites, spiders, sow bugs, etc…
The more diversity in your soil, in insects, plants, and organisms, the more resilient your garden becomes.
Nutrient Dense Soil – Lesson 4 Homework
Resources:
Increasing Nutritional Density By Supercharging Your Soil with Easy Natural Systems
What Can You Do to Attract Beneficial Bugs?
Notes: