Soil Fertility

The Maryland Cooperative Extension recommends that we:

Feed the Soil First!
The surest way to improve soil quality and plant growth is the regular incorporation of organic matter such as composted yard waste. Organic matter improves soil structure, slowly releases nutrients, increases beneficial microbial activity, and reduces the need for purchased fertilizers. (www.ggic.umd.edu)

This week we took fourteen samples from around the 10 acre fields and sent them for soil testing. This will help us to get a better understanding of the conditions of the soil. One of Colchester's goals is to farm in a way that does not deplete soil nutrients and therefore eliminates the need for agricultural fertilizers and other additives. However, sometimes our soil needs some help, and when it does we turn to organic additives. When we transplanted some of our seedlings we used organic pelletized poultry manor to increase the soil fertility. This adds Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium and Sulphur to the soil.

The Home & Garden division of the Maryland Cooperative Extension recommends:

Take a soil test every 3 to 4 years. Fertilize according to test recommendations. Use less than the recommended amounts listed on fertilizer packages. (www.ggic.umd.edu)

Understanding exactly what your soil needs can reduce uneccesary chemincal inputs and can help bring about healty soil without harming the environment.