{"id":2151,"date":"2024-03-01T00:01:43","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T00:01:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abov.us\/the-soil-microbiome\/"},"modified":"2024-03-12T19:46:38","modified_gmt":"2024-03-12T19:46:38","slug":"the-soil-microbiome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abov.us\/en-ca\/the-soil-microbiome\/","title":{"rendered":"The Soil Microbiome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ways to foster a rich living community in the ground we farm on<\/h3>\n\n

It\u2019s true: one teaspoon of healthy soil contains more creatures than there are people on the whole earth (source: soils.org.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n

And it turns out that all those microorganisms are vital for life \u2013 the life of the soil, the food it produces, and our lives as consumers. Maintaining a healthy soil microbiome, then, is key to regenerative farming. In particular, soil microbes are involved in nutrient cycling processes, breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients in plant-available forms. They mineralize organic compounds, releasing nitrogen, phosphorus, and other micronutrients vital for plant growth. <\/p>\n\n

The activities of soil microorganisms also contribute to the soil’s physical and chemical properties, influencing nutrient availability and uptake by plants. They enhance soil structure, porosity, and water-holding capacity, promoting optimal root development and nutrient absorption. <\/p>\n\n

By maintaining a diverse and balanced soil microbiome through regenerative farming practices, the nutrient density of plants can be significantly enhanced. Better farming ultimately produces better food! <\/p>\n\n

Which regenerative farming practices play a crucial role in promoting the health of the soil microbiome? <\/p>\n\n