The importance of organic soil management

Development of a healthy ‘organic’ soil profile is very important in organic growing. Only a well-balanced naturally healthy soil is able to continue producing wholesome food for many years without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides.

Soil is the fundamental resource for organic growers, because plant health, including pest and disease resistance and the ability to fight off and recover from pest attack, depends so much upon good plant nutrition. Nutrition based upon a healthy organic soil allows the plant to forage for the nutrients it needs, in response to the weather conditions and physiological processes occurring within the plant. Organic plants are not force fed, but are permitted to control the process of nutrient intake according to the growth conditions they are experiencing, and therefore are better able to select the elements that they require at any time.

Because organic growers concentrate on soil development, and allow the plant to feed itself, organic plants are generally well supplied with vital trace elements. These nutritional elements are very important in the production of flavour compounds, and consequently organic produce tastes good and keeps better. When combined with good post-harvest practices, this delivers the best gourmet produce, and protects the environment at the same time.