kitchen gardening , soils needs by allah dad khan
Post on 08-Aug-2015
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“Too many people have lost sight of the fact
that productive soil is essential to the
production of food.”
“Take care of the land and the land will take
care of you.…” – Hugh Hammond
Bennett
Hugh Hammond Bennett, the father of soil conservation
He was the head of the Soil Erosion Service when it was formed in 1933 in response to the Dust Bowl. Bennett was one of the first people to identify poor farming practices as the cause of the dust storms, and to formulate a plan for soil conservation.
Dust buried farms and equipment, killed livestock, and caused human death and misery during the height of the Dust Bowl years.
In: "Monthly Weather Review," June 1936, p.196. (NOAA Photo Library)
"Manhandled Land - fertile soil goes off by carload lots."
A common site during the Dust Bowl. The erosion in this picture was more an effect of poor farming practice than drought, though. In: "To Hold This Soil", Russell Lord, 1938. Miscellaneous Publication No. 321, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
(NOAA Photo Library)
What is Soil Texture?
Why Does Soil Texture Matter?
Determines soil pore
space Soil
TextureDetermines
soil drainage
Determines aeration
Influences nutrient holding capacity
(CEC)
Affects soil workability
HOW?
Soil Textural Triangle
Soil-less Media… Major Components
Peat Moss Perlite Vermiculite
Other Components Sand Bark Lime Wetting agents - hydrophilic polymer Fertilizer
Peat Moss Perlite Vermiculite
How Is It Made?
- Partially decomposted remains of plants/animals (mostly sphagnum moss)
that accumulated in oxygen-poor freshwater
- Environmental concerns about habitat destruction
- Volcanic material expanded to 13x its
original volume when heated to 1700F (think
popcorn)
- Clay mineral exposed to intense heat,
causing the clay layers to expand into
accordion-shaped granules
- Hydrated Al-Fe-Mg silicates; very similar to
mica
What does it do?
- Provides organic matter for retention of nutrients
and water
- Large surface area-Improves aeration &
drainage- Forms macropores
- Acts as soil insulator
- Particles provide space for water, air,
and nutrients- Improves aeration &
drainage
Water retention?
______________its weight _____________ its weight
_________________
From Where ?
Canada, Northern Europe (Scotland!)
Open pit mining in many countries
Mined in many countries
Sterile? ___________ yes yes
pH? Very acidic 6.5 – 7.5 6.5 – 7.2
Digging Peat in Scotland
PerlitePerlite Mine in New Mexico
VermiculiteMining Vermiculite in
South Africa
Soil-less Media: Typical Commercial Mix
Typical Commercial Mix 1/3 coarse peat moss 1/3 perlite 1/3 vermiculite 3 lbs complete fertilizer (5-10-5) 7 lbs dolomitic limestone Wetting agent
Soil-less Media:An Organic Alternative
An Organic Alternative 1/3 Peat Moss 1/3 Perlite 1/3 Vermiculite 5 lbs composted manure 1 lb bone meal 1 lb green sand 7 lbs dolomitic limestone
Soil-less Media:Mix Without Peat Moss
Replace peat moss 1:1, but reduce limestone
Coir or coconut husks in potting mixes
Composted, fine grade wood shavings
Or Try 1 part composted green waste: 1 part coir
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