That's the bottom line, and that is where the study began. There are a myriad of books that will tell you about pH and soil amendments. It's a wonder that anything survived without the hand of man, and we are doing a fine job now. What you don't use, put it back, or let it be. This applies to soil, water, and the air we breathe.
Chickens are our gardeners.
Buff Orpingtons are our choice, as they are the color of a gold watch, lay golden brown eggs, and are good company. They mow the lawn - or at least they will when I move the new flock out. They will prepare the next seed beds by removing the grass and lightly fertilizing the soil beneath. The seeds are placed on this hot and ready ground and then covered with mulch. We grow our own mulch in the form of buckwheat, clover, and alfala.