Why is the Organic Garden Soil Better than the Regular Garden Soil?
Organic soil contains all the same essential ingredients as regular garden soil but includes compost and decayed plant material. Many garden enthusiasts believe that adding organic matter to garden soil will enrich the soil and produce a healthier garden.
Micro and macro-nutrients are the two essential ingredients in organic soil. Macro-nutrients are nutrients in plants used for nutrition; examples include nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Micro-nutrients such as copper, iron, zinc, and manganese are subatomic particles crucial for plant growth. The types of minerals added to an organic soil depend on the type of plants. Here are some of the reasons why organic soil is better than regular garden soil:
Soil pH
Organic soil tends to have slightly suitable pH values for your plants. If you compare a piece of organic soil to regular garden soil, you will notice that healthy seedlings tend to have green leaves and thrive in the soil. It is because plants utilize all available nutrients in the soil, which are essential for growth.
Water Holding Capacity
Another benefit of organic garden soil is that it has a good water-holding capacity and structure. A good structure means the water will flow through the soil without affecting the bed of plants underneath the ground. In addition, adding organic material to regular garden soil allows for better aeration within the ground than standard garden soil. As a result, it results in less plant stress and better growing conditions overall.
It makes organic soil ideal for all-season gardeners with houseplants, perennial, and container gardens. Using an organic soil mixture in your planting beds will provide a better oxygen supply to the roots of your plants. In addition, organic soil that is high in calcium is beneficial for root growth.
Variety of Nutrients
Organic soil usually results in healthier plants throughout the growing process, including seedlings, transplants, and mature plants. That is because nutrients found within organic soil are more soluble than nutrients within regular garden soil. As a result, there is more opportunity for your plants to absorb all of the necessary nutrients it needs during their growth cycle.
Nitrogen and phosphorus are the two primary nutrients found within organic soil. These two nutrients help plants grow and develop. Nitrogen is necessary for good growth, allowing plants to grow tall, sturdy stems. Plants need phosphorus in large amounts as it helps in root development and the general health of your plants. This nutrient is needed to develop roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits growing from your plant’s stems. Aside from phosphorus, there are other essential nutrients in organic soil, which usually include:
- Calcium;
- Magnesium;
- Potassium;
- Iron;
- Manganese;
- Zinc;
- Organic matter;
These nutrients will help your plants grow and mature faster than standard garden soil, and the soil is much better for them. In addition, some organic gardeners prefer to mix their soil mixtures instead of buying a premixed bag; this allows them to customize their mixes to fit the needs of specific plants.
Erosion Control
Erosion is a natural process that occurs when water or wind erodes the topsoil. It will eventually lead to poor conditions for the growing environment of crops. Composted soil will hold together better and be more resistant to erosion than regular garden soil.
Organic soil also contains more organic matter, producing a cohesive mixture with good moisture retention. Smaller particles in organic soil allow for better aeration and less compactness. It helps prevent the hardpan and compaction of the topsoil, which can be a detriment to any growing environment.
Environmentally Friendly
Organic gardening is a great way to improve the soil’s health and conserve natural resources. By reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, you’ll do your part to reduce pollution from pesticides and inorganic fertilizers. In addition, the organic material in compost keeps the earth naturally healthy and reduces the need for synthetic chemical-based products.
Conclusion
As you can see, organic soil is much better for your plants than regular garden soil. It is because plant roots need a good supply of oxygen and a constant supply of water and nutrition. It is why organic soil is much better for your growing environment. Gardeners can find many types of organic soil within their local gardening supply stores or online retailers.
