Living Soil
Consider the miracle of nature: towering trees flourishing without the aid of artificial fertilizers. Nature, in its intricate design, utilizes the sun's nuclear energy and CO2 through photosynthesis, channeling sugars into the soil to nourish bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms, in turn, extract nutrients from organic matter, enriching plant roots. Yet, the cycle continues: microbial predators consume bacteria and fungi, leaving nutrient-rich waste as a natural fertilizer.
This process, known as nutrient cycling, is vital for the health of plants. Using a blended cover crop eliminates the guesswork of resupplying the needed nutrients for future crops. Each cover crop seed accumulates macro-micronutrients that, once used as mulch, will break down and replenish the soil, feeding the microorganisms and improving soil tilth (texture). This process encourages robust growth, bolstering resistance to pests and diseases. In agricultural settings, it yields nutrient-rich crops essential for human health.
We recognize this intricate system as living soil—a testament to nature's efficiency. When disrupted by chemicals and tillage, it becomes degraded to mere dirt. Let's safeguard this natural balance, preserving soil as a living entity that sustains life and nourishes vitality.
Living soil is teeming with a diverse community of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa. These microorganisms interact with each other and with plants in a complex ecosystem that is critical to the health and productivity of the soil.
It is characterized by high levels of organic matter, which serves as a food source for microorganisms. It is also well-aerated, allowing oxygen to flow through the soil and supporting aerobic organisms. In addition, living soil is usually moist, providing a suitable environment for microorganisms to thrive.
The Benefits of Living Soil Summarized
Improved soil structure: Living soil is rich in organic matter, which can help improve soil structure and water retention, making it easier for plants to access nutrients and water.
Reduced need for fertilizers and pesticides: Because living soil is rich in nutrients and microorganisms, it can eliminate the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which are extremely harmful to the environment.
Increased plant health: Living soil can help support healthy plant growth by improving soil fertility and reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Environmental benefits: Living soil with the addition of cover crops will eliminate soil erosion and improve water quality by reducing run-off and improving soil structure. It can also help sequester carbon, which can help mitigate climate change.
Grateful Grows’ Living Soil
Our living soil is full of diverse microbiology. It has all the NPK your plants will need in a natural, raw form. This raw organic material supports the soil biology, which in turn feeds and maintains the health of your plants. My soil has a pH of 6.7–6.78, which is the perfect range for cannabis as well as 90% of all crops and plants we cultivate. Technically, just the top dressing could be watered. Using teas and the KNF inputs we offer will help take your growth to the next level. Only the best ingredients go into our soil. Everything is 100% natural and organic. We source my supplies from only businesses that have already tested for heavy metals and pesticides. I’ve done the hard work, so you don’t have to! Every batch of soil I make is small batch and made as needed to ensure you get a fresh product that hasn’t been sitting around for months on a shelf or in storage somewhere.
Moreover, the amendable quality of our living soil provides a cost-effective solution through reusability. If you're seeking quality living soil customized for your organic gardening requirements, Grateful Grows' living soil serves as an excellent foundation for advancing your organic gardening journey. We've invested the effort to perfect the soil, leaving you with the straightforward task of easy maintenance.
Key Highlights
Keep it Covered: A cover crop is essential to healthy living soil. It keeps the nutrient cycle process going
Nutrient Cycle: When disrupted by chemicals and tillage, it becomes degraded to mere dirt
Composting: Use vermicompost (worm castings); or organic compost
Reamend Your Living Soil: Use our IMO4 or dry organic inputs such as basalt, kelp, etc.
Eliminate Chemical Use: Pesticides kill pests, but they can also kill beneficial soil microbes and insects. Don’t reach for a chemical.
Instead, consider using our 100% natural, handcrafted products (links below).