Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 24
Garden Health Management Plan
There are now some additional new goals on which to focus: avoid using pesticides,
harsh chemicals, and GMOs. We need to build organic matter, humus and the soil food
web. We need to remineralize the soil, and more specifically to balance certain nutrient ra-
tios. Using biostimulants to further stimulate the system is beneficial. Also, we need to en-
sure the soil has enough energy.
Which of these is the limiting factor in plant health? Heide Hermary points out that most
of the above goals have been considered limiting factors by different soil scientists over the
years. J.I. Rodale and his mentor Sir Albert Howard considered composting and organic
matter the primary focus in the garden, but in my view, they didn't place enough emphasis
on balancing minerals.
German scientist, Justus von Liebig concluded NPK was what we needed to add. Willi-
am A. Albrecht emphasized the importance of calcium, while Carey Reams emphasized
calcium and phosphorus. Ana Primavesi discovered that micronutrients are a limiting
factor. Elaine Ingham has said we have at least some of almost every nutrient in the soil
and that a healthy soil food web is the limiting factor. Phil Callahan has put forth the idea
that paramagnetism is what is needed, and the biodynamic movement has helped bring our
awareness to energy.
In reality, whichever one is lacking the most is the limiting factor in your garden, but the
bottom line is that we need to pay attention to all of them.
Where do you start? Start with your own observations. Dig a hole. Check the texture,
structure, color and smell, and look for earthworms and other insects. Measure the topsoil
level and see if the roots are hitting a hardpan, and if they have fine root hairs that indicate
enough oxygen. See if you have a good leaf and twig litter layer, and if your soil has some
darkness that indicates organic matter. Compare this to the soil test value for organic mat-
ter. Do you need to add compost? It's difficult to grow good crops sustainably without hav-
ing a good humus level. Microbial inoculants are always a good idea.
If it's mid or late season and you have plants growing, look at them. Obviously, disease
and insect damage indicate sick plants, but in addition to that, are the leaves a dark, vibrant
color or do they have blotches, streaks or discoloration that indication one or several nutri-
