Lack of respect for the soil shown by past civilizations has often permanently changed the land. Conversely, the land and soil have changed the forms and patterns of civilization. It has destroyed or preserved whole civilizations. Improper soil usage relates to many of our present global environmental problems. This chapter reveals why good garden soil is an important factor in plant health.
Knowledgeable gardeners know how to improve soil to their benefit.
To appreciate what soil is all about, good gardeners must spend time working in it. Digging is the best way to learn about soil. Digging shows the progression from dark color at the top into strong colors of deeper mineral layers. The composition of garden soil may be surprising to some. Soil consists of not only solid mineral particles, but also of decaying organisms, living organisms, air and water.