Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
reinvigorated enthusiasm from a struggling farmer or the sudden realization of the
variability and value of what is under the feet.
In complete contrast, researchers often generate new ideas in beautiful or unusual
places. For example, in 2009, the British Society of Soil Science met in the glorious
surroundings of Johnstown Castle in southeast Ireland. Good creativity is fostered in
the wonders of creation. I am still reaping the benefits of the ideas formed during the
time shared there with other scientists.
11.6.1 S oil R eStoRation
Much of what was discussed above for engaging the spirit involves the prefix re -.
Re-generation, re-alization, re-vision, re-clamation, and even re-ligion. This implies
a going back, re-vitalization and re-newal. Like those of us who like to restore old
cars, motorbikes, or tractors, restoring an ecosystem and the soil below also demands
effort and is a “labor of love.” A successfully restored ecosystem also gains beauty
from the new vegetation or the crop that protects and hides the soil. Indigenous
peoples have good contact with the land and believe that they have an obligation to
keep the planet alive, entering a reciprocal relationship with the environment. Gray
(1995) believes that this is why restoration and conservation are important to them,
because tending the world empowers them and gives energy and health. Working
with the regenerative powers of nature gives the land back its productivity.
Restoration of compacted or eroded soils should preserve porosity, allowing easy
movement of rainwater into the soil and water storage and maintaining the activity
of soil organisms to break down organic matter and release the nutrients stored in
the soil. Shaxson (2006) emphasizes the need for a positive view in protecting and
improving what remains after soil is lost by erosion.
Improving or conserving the soil is best done either by living organisms such as
earthworms or by plant roots, which are great natural creators of macropores, rather
than by tillage. Soil porosity then increases naturally, and the pores are stable and
interconnected, enabling them to maintain the soil's life support functions. Where
there is a risk of erosion, maintaining plant cover at the surface and organic matter
is important to provide protection and, in drier climates, to increase green water
storage and crop yields. In these ways, the soil is rejuvenated, especially under a
mixed crop rotation, when supplemented with additions of slow-releasing miner-
als like lime and phosphates. These restoration techniques also work well in urban
agriculture on land damaged during the Industrial Revolution. Many will remember
Detroit or Motown, the home of so much well-loved soul music. The motor industry
has now largely deserted Detroit. There are large areas of compacted, vacant land
left behind by the car industry that are being restored for cropping by soil loosening,
removing debris and contaminants, and using plants to absorb toxic chemicals.
Soil compaction damage is the result of stress, which, in extreme cases, can be
considered as violence to the soil. In restoring compacted soils, it is helpful to bear
in mind that violence usually does not overcome the results of violence. The soil can
be cultivated using heavy power-driven tine cultivators, which effectively exert more
violence to try to bash the soil back into shape. These can cause more compaction
and destroy the natural soil structure. Instead, it is preferable to tease apart the soil
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