Urban Soils - Ecologically Disturbed Sites 5/3/15

Adaptive Leadership in Organic Land Care

What is an adaptive challenge?

Adaptive Challenge

Requires philosophical and behavioral change,

putting us at the forefront of our

capabilities. It can not simply be solved through

technical means.

Fritz1868

Haber

1934

Sound Horticultural Practice - Process Based

1. Soil Management – Testing and Diagnosis

2. Composting – Natural Nutrient Cycling

3. Plant Selection and Placement

4. Pest and Disease Control - Non-Toxic

5. Irrigation Management - Water conservation

6. Proper Planting Techniques

7. Proper Pruning Techniques

Soil Structure

Upper Root Zone 12”

Lower Root Zone 12”

Base Component *****

12”

Sub-Soil

Soil Horizon

Nutrient Availability

Bringing Custom Compost To The Site

Compost Components

Source of Components

Proportion for Each Mix

BacterialMix

FungalMix

Nitrogen Manure, Legume, Grass Clippings, Vegetable Waste 25% 25%

Bacterial(Green)

Herbaceous Materials, Hay, Weeds 45% 30%

Fungal(Woody)

Wood Chips, Leaves, Sawdust, Newspaper 30% 45%

COMPOST

TEA

Harvard

Massachusetts Hall

March 10 Test Plot

May 2 Control

May 2nd Test Plot

Rose F Kennedy Greenway

Existing Conditions

Soils with low nutrient cycling capacity

Boxwood doing poorly as a result

Boxwood

Increasing Natural Nutrient Cycling CapacityBy:Injecting a Liquid BiologicalAmendment high in fungi and protozoa into root zones of Boxwoods. Holes backfilled with an organic food source.

Turf condition

Turf had a 1.5 inch layer of thatchalong with only a 3-inch developed rootsystem.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

March 21, 2010

March 23, 2010

March 22, 2010