Recommendations for soil cultivation
1. Let it be: Fertile soil is a living tissue that, like our body, maintains its high state of order through a dynamically flowing metabolism, self-regulation, and communication.
The best soil processing is carried out by the edaphon. Soil organisms mix, aerate, digest, bind, and aggregate the soil in an incomparably ingenious way. And we don't have a single device that works vertically while aerating and draining – only earthworms can do that.
2. Integration : The better the soil's vitality and buffering capacity – comparable to our immune system – the less important it is which equipment is used – and vice versa. Crucial factors are a diverse plant community consisting of main crops, cover crops, and weeds, especially their root development, as well as a closed organic nutrient cycle.
The ever-increasing power of technology should not tempt us to try to "control" nature and the soil.
3. Attention : Humic substances are protein-like compounds. And the latest research shows that proteins can be altered in their form and functionality by waves of light or music. Plants and soil organisms also react highly sensitively to a wide variety of environmental stimuli.
Therefore, for the soil – just as for us humans – not only is a good supply of light, air, water, warmth and nutrients essential, but also care, communication and empathy.
In just a few years, autonomous robots will be roaming our fields, just as they already do on lawns. We should consider rules and limits for their use so that a potential blessing doesn't become a curse.
4. Technical diversity : The more one-sided the mechanical interventions in the soil, the more one-sided the natural response will be. For example, primarily shallow cultivation selects different weeds and microorganism communities than deep or inversion cultivation. Varying the equipment used also increases this diversity.
5. "Keep the soil structure in check": The soil should only be worked to a depth and intensity that prevents the uppermost, most biologically active zone from being destroyed or buried in oxygen-depleted areas. The more stable the soil crumbs and the deeper this active soil structure zone with its correspondingly high air pore content develops, the deeper one can work without altering the soil stratification.
6. Work gently: The key to gentle soil cultivation is not so much the volume of soil moved, but rather the impact velocity of the tools on the soil particles. Humus degradation through tillage primarily occurs at the micro level, where clay-humus complexes are mechanically broken up and the organic matter stored within them is mineralized.
7. Work homogeneously : When incorporating organic matter, it is very important to mix it in evenly and in a well-shredded manner to create the largest possible contact surface with the soil and its organisms. The deeper the incorporation, the more important this is. Otherwise, oxygen-depleted zones will form in the soil, from which nitrogen will be released and putrefaction will occur.
8. Choose the right time: Before mechanical cultivation, always dig with a spade, "feel" the soil, and assess moisture, temperature, and smell using your senses. It's impossible to make sound decisions about the gentlest soil movement from inside a tractor cab or with the help of new sensors.
9. Avoid compaction: Soil compaction and shearing (smearing) can only be avoided if the soil is sufficiently dry. Furthermore, the massive impact of excessively heavy machinery on the subsoil is often underestimated. Even wider tires are of no use down here; only weight matters.
And since climate change with its extreme weather events is accelerating dramatically, only smaller farms with lightweight technology and great flexibility in processing will be able to maintain food production in the future.
10. Living soil regeneration after cultivation: Every tillage operation is an injury to the natural surface of the soil, which needs time and care to heal. The faster the soil is revegetated and rooted again, the better its regenerative capacity and yield.
Activated zeolite for increased soil fertility
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