Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The biological properties of soil are constantly changing due to the
temperature and moisture changes in the soil, and they are also affected by soil pH
levels. In favourable conditions, soil biological activity can increase rapidly, and
likewise, if conditions become unfavourable, then soil biological activity can shut
down as the soil conditions become less conducive to their growth.
The amount of plant growth on top of a soil is directly proportional to the
biological activity in the soil.
How can soil biological activity be encouraged?
Soil organisms basically like the same soil conditions as plants; so by creating good
conditions for plant growth, biological activity is also encouraged. There are a few
basic requirements that can be listed.
•
The soil needs to be moist, neither too dry (dusty), nor too wet (waterlogged).
•
The soil needs to be warm. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25°C.
•
The soil pH ideally needs to be close to the neutral range; say between pH 6.0
to pH 7.5. This range allows many important chemical reactions to occur in
the soil, and is not harmful to the growth of the soil organisms.
•
There needs to be an adequate food supply for the organisms to live on. Organic
matter, such as dead vegetation, compost, animal dung, dead insects and so on,
is all good food for them. Like us, they cannot live without adequate food.
•
There should be no chemical toxins, such as insecticides, miticides, some
herbicides, fungicides, and animal medications (from urine) such as
anthelmintics or antibiotics.
Table 17 lists a few do's and don'ts that will help encourage soil biological
activity.
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