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Full Description
Build nutrient-dense soil that grows healthier plants with less work and fewer problems. Science-based guide reveals how soil biology actually works, enabling gardeners to create living soil ecosystems that naturally resist pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
Why Understanding Soil Science Transforms Gardening:
Most gardening problems stem from poor soil health. When you understand soil biology, you can create conditions where plants thrive naturally, reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and constant intervention.
What You'll Master:
Soil testing and analysis to understand your current soil conditions and needs
Microorganism management for building beneficial bacteria and fungi populations
Organic matter integration that feeds soil life while improving structure and drainage
Natural nutrient cycling that makes plants more nutritious and flavorful
Problem diagnosis through soil observation rather than guesswork
Garden Transformation Results:
Gardeners applying soil science principles report 40-60% reduction in plant problems, improved harvest quality, and dramatically reduced need for external inputs within one growing season.
Grow better plants by building better soil. Essential for gardeners ready to move beyond trial-and-error toward scientific understanding.
Contents
Introduction
What Is Soil Health?
Using the Book
Terminology
SECTION 1: UNDERSTANDING SOIL
1. Soil Basics
Components of Soil
Origin of Soil
Soil Particles
Soil Texture
Importance of Particle Size
Air and Water
Aggregation and Soil Structure
Soil pH
2. Plant Nutrients
Ions
What Is Salt?
Movement of Nutrients in Soil
Essential Plant Nutrients
Micronutrients
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
3. Soil Life
Energy Food Web
The Power of Large Molecules
Ratio of Fungi to Bacteria
Chemicals in the Soil
Pathogen Control
Identification of Microbes
4. Bacteria
What Do They Eat?
Where Do They Live?
Role in Disease Prevention
Ideal Environment
Role in Building Soil Aggregates
Conditions that Harm Bacteria
Nitrogen Fixation
5. Fungi
What Do They Eat?
Where Do They Live?
Fungi at War
Fungal Parasites
Mycorrhizal Fungi
6. Other Organisms
Actinomycetes
Algae
Protozoa
Nematodes
Arthropods
Earthworms
7. Organic Matter
Decomposition: Converting Dead Things into Humus
Truth About Humus
Too Much Organic Matter
Compost
Chelation
8. Rhizosphere
Root Exudates
Soil Enzymes
Effect of Desiccation
Soil pH Levels
Dynamic Microbe Population
Allelochemicals
Plants Are in Control
SECTION 2: SOLVING SOIL PROBLEMS
9. Identifying Soil Problems
Why Do We Fertilize?
Soil Testing
Plants as Indicators of Soil Problems
Plant Tissue Analysis
DIY Test Kits
Determining Soil Texture
Crusted Soil
Quantification of Microbes
Level of Organic Matter
Compaction
Hardpan
Drainage
10. Gardening Techniques That Affect Soil
Tilling
Working the Land
Mulching
Hoeing
Cover Crops
Raised Bed Gardening
Crop Rotation
Companion Planting
11. Solving Chemical Issues
Buffer Capacity
Increasing pH
Decreasing pH
Saline and Sodic Soils
Increasing CEC
Synthetic vs Organic Fertilizers
Understanding Fertilizers
Synthetic Fertilizers
Organic Fertilizers
Fad Products
12. Solving Microbe Issues
Inoculation
Solarization
Controlling Pathogens
Compost Tea
Best Practice for Increasing Microbe Populations
13. Increasing Organic Matter
Options for Adding Organic Matter
Cover Crops
Vermicompost
Bokashi Compost
Biochar
Biosolids
14. Dealing with Structural Problems
Compaction
Drainage Issues
Modifying Soil Texture
Clay Soils
Sandy Soils
SECTION 3: A PERSONALIZED PLAN FOR HEALTHY SOIL
15. Developing a Plan for Soil Health Improvement
16. How Detailed Should You Get?
17. Soil Health Assessment
Chemical Tests
Soil Sampling Instructions
18. Soil Health Action Plan
Soil Health Assessment
Action Plan
Action Plan Follow-up
Appendix A: Soil Health Assessment Form
Appendix B: Action Plan for the Year
Index
About the Author
About New Society Publishers
