Bay Friendly Landscaping Team - Nurturing the Soil

What is Nurturing the Soil? Soil must be nurtured just as plants must be nurtured. Soil health is important because it stores the water and nutrients used by plants. It regulates the movement of water into our lakes and streams and is able to neutralize pollutants. Plants that grow in healthy soils are more resistant to pests and diseases and when thriving, help reduce soil erosion.

1. Remove and store topsoil during construction
2. Protect soil from compaction
3. Defend against erosion
4. Amend the soil with compost before planting
5. Grasscycle
6. Mulch regularly
7. Aerate compacted soils
8. Feed soils naturally
9. Avoid synthetic, quick release fertilizers
10. Minimize the use of chemical pesticides
    
    

What we learned: "Soil is very complex. While made up of sand, silt and clay, the ratio of these three components determines a soil’s texture. The course taught us it is impractical, cost prohibitive and in some cases impossible to change soil texture. But our actions can still help to build and maintain a healthier soil.

Healthy soil contains organic matter and many living things. Microorganisms in the soil help to make nutrients available. They build good soil structure and discourage pests and diseases.

Almost everything we do as landscapers affects the health of soils on our sites. Some of the most important are: mulching, aerating, use of compost and proper use of fertilizer and other chemicals. The key is to protect and feed the microorganisms that are so valuable.

We do not always think about what's happening underground. But, healthy soil is so important!  Awareness is the key and if we are aware of how our actions affect soil health we have taken a huge step in the right direction." - Paula Tusler

"One of the key principles of Bay Friendly landscaping is the concept of creating a soil food web.  This is an approach of feeding the soil to feed the plants." (Learn More - Click Here) - Lisa Stratton

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Bay Friendly.Org

Cagwin & Dorward
PO Box 1600
Novato, CA 94948-1600
1-800-891-7710