Down to Earth Soil Management

For the earth element, we were joined by Bill Errickson, County Agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County to look at soil health and how it is defined as the continued capacity to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Maintaining soil health is an essential component of a productive and thriving garden that is more resistant to disease and abiotic stress. This presentation will highlight the important ecological roles of soil organisms as they relate to the physical and chemical properties of soil in home-scale and community gardens. Topics will include proper methods of soil testing, optimizing soil fertility, and practices to support soil organism biodiversity through increasing soil organic matter. Recorded on May 20, 2024.