What Key Process Is Responsible for Helping Create & Maintain a Viable Soil?

Healthy garden soil has a loose and crumbly texture and is teeming with the microorganisms that convert organic matter into food for plants. The process of building fertile soil can be achieved with three tasks that each addresses a key point regarding soil fertility. Tilling the soil improves drainage and makes it easier for plant roots to grow. Incorporating compost adds a wide range of nutrients to the soil, introduces beneficial microorganisms and increases the water-holding capacity. Covering the soil with mulch conserves moisture and provides a slow release of organic matter that feeds the soil's food web. These tasks can be repeated on an annual basis each fall to create and maintain the best possible soil conditions for the cultivation of a majority of plant species.

Shovel
Digging fork or rototiller
Tape measure
Compost
Hard-metal rake
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the existing topsoil from the area that needs to be improved, and set it aside. The transition from topsoil to subsoil can be recognized by the change from dark-brown soil, which is topsoil, to the lighter tan-brown or reddish color of subsoil in some regions. The depth of existing topsoil can range from less than 1 inch to more than 1 foot.
- 2
  Loosen the subsoil as deeply as possible with a digging fork or rototiller. Aim for a minimum of 6 inches of loose subsoil. That depth will improve drainage and plant root anchorage.
- 3
  Put the topsoil back in place. Break all heavy clods of topsoil in the process.
- 4
  Spread compost over the loosened topsoil, making the compost layer 2 to 3 inches thick.
- 5
  Mix the compost with the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches by using the digging fork or rototiller.
- 6
  Rake the soil-compost mixture to create a level bed, using a hard-metal rake for the task. Break small clods in the process.
- 7
  Spread mulch over the soil-compost mixture's surface. The mulch layer should be 2 to 3 inches deep.

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