Living Soil Structure
Channel: SMSF Master Gardeners
Date: 2017-07-01

There are a few simple steps you can take to improve soil structure.   Soil that has good biological structure allows water and air to move deeper into the soil and to be held in the soil in small pores which encourages deep root growth.   A biologically active soil cycles nutrients to the plant and helps the plant to be more disease and pest resistant.   A simple practice is to apply 3/8” of compost starting about six inches away from the base of the plant and out beyond the canopy, then apply 2-3 inches of mulch.   The compost will add life and some soluble nutrients, and the mulch will protect the soil from the sun, wind and rain and will be broken down over time adding organic matter to the soil.

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