![]() ![]() More runoff means less groundwater recharge. On an industrial scale, the churning and tillage of thousands of acres of farmland each year leads to significant soil erosion and increased runoff. Over time, repeated tiling destroys soil structure which leads to increasingly compact soil – so they “have to” till it even more. The problem is, the act of tilling actually exacerbates the compaction problem. Farmers do this to break up compacted soil or clumps to prepare for planting. In traditional or commercial farming, soil is routinely tilled and turned over after each season and crop. Image Courtesy of Heidelberg Farms via Pinterest Plants grown in this manner are not only highly productive, but are also more resilient to pests, disease, and environmental stresses like drought. For instance, studies show that worms ( Eisenia fetida) can significantly reduce the concentration of crude oil and heavy metals in contaminated soil! In return, well-maintained organic soil nourishes plants without the need for harsh chemical fertilizers. Some even help to bioremediate soil and remove unwanted pollutants. Quality organic soil is full of beneficial microorganisms, fungi, nematodes, earthworms, protozoa, and other critters that all work together to break down organic matter, introduce nutrients, and improve soil aeration, drainage and moisture retention. Within your soil, an entire living, breathing, dynamic ecosystem exists! The idea of ‘living organic soil’ and no-till gardening go hand in hand. When tending to an organic garden, the focus should be on building and maintaining rich healthy soil as opposed to simply fertilizing plants. The difference between a garden that survives and one that thrives is all in the soil. Living organic soil from our no-till garden Is it ever tilled? Nope! Instead, plant material rises and falls in place, providing a cycle of mulch, nutrients, and biomass. Think about a wild, natural environment like a meadow or forest floor. Those things, along with the left-behind plant roots, slowly break down to rejuvenate the soil and provide food for new plants. In the no-till world, instead of mixing amendments deep into the soil, slow-release organic fertilizers, compost, and/or mulch materials are added to the top of the soil on occasion. At the end of the growing season, we cut plants out at the soil line (or just below the soil) with pruners or a small hand saw – rather than yanking out the entire plant and root system. Additionally, many no-till gardeners choose to leave the roots of spent plants in place. Rather than using plows, spades, hoes, or other tools to routinely “turn over” soil, it is more or less left alone. No-till gardening, also known as ‘no-dig’ gardening, is the practice of avoiding the intentional disruption of soil. What is No-Till Gardening (or No-Till Farming)? It is what we mostly follow here on this homestead.Īfter all, Mother Nature doesn’t use a tiller! After reading this, you’ll have a better understanding of why the simple and natural practice of not tilling soil is swiftly gaining popularity in the garden and farming community. This article will dig (or… not dig?) into the concept of no-till gardening, including what it is, how to do it, and what stellar benefits it brings to soil and plant health – and your back! We’ll cover some frequently asked questions along with examples of when tilling may or may not be for the best. Have you heard the term ‘no-till’ gardening or farming, but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about? Then you’ve come to the right place.
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