Here’s an easy way to work faster than nature to give your soil what it should have
One of the main ways soil is formed is by the gradual grinding action of glaciers on rock, turning it into mineral-rich dust, which then combines with organic matter from plants and animals to form soil. Soils vary according to the types of rocks (parent material), plants, animals, weather conditions and length of time that have gone into its making.
An ice age is great for the earth’s topsoil as the temperature differences break up the rock mantle and the ice grinds it to form a new deep layer of soil. Because Australia didn’t experience the last one, our soils tend to be very old and tired, lacking many important nutrients.
As plants grow, they take up what minerals are present in the soil and when we eat the plants we benefit from those minerals. Eight of the 17 elements essential for plant growth are what is known as micronutrients: boron, chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc. Eventually, soil can become quite severely depleted of these nutrients.
All plant nutrients, except nitrogen, are of geological origin; they come from rocks. Volcanic rocks from lava flows have high mineral content from deep within the earth. Normal climatic conditions don’t break-down the rocks fast enough to replenish soils for crop production, so eventually the soil is depleted and cries out to be remineralised.
While the main three nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) are often added, the others tend to be overlooked. This is where rock dust comes in — also known as rock powder, stone dust, stone meal and volcanic rock dust, often a byproduct of quarrying.
Esta historia es de la edición Issue#15.2 2017 de Backyard & Garden Design Ideas.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Issue#15.2 2017 de Backyard & Garden Design Ideas.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
SEEING GREEN
This garden design took the challenge of a sloping site and transformed it into a tropical, green oasis
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
Edible plants tend to be thirsty, but it is possible to grow healthy, flavoursome veggies without over-taxing your water supply
Roots of orange
One of the most popular and health-giving of veggies, carrots are a must for the garden and the plate
Heart of stone
What’s more beautiful than a material formed over thousands of years by nature?
BLOOMING FABULOUS
A combination of formal, fun, and cottage, this delightful garden in Brisbane mixes it up with magnificent results
GET A ROOM!
Since living, working and entertaining at home is becoming the norm, exploring the creation of outdoor “rooms” in our backyards provides plenty of scope for imagination
Alligator pear
That’s just one of the many names for the large, luxurious berry we know and love as avocado
Eat, Play, Love
This urban oasis is filled with a diverse blend of productive plants and natives, a unique haven that continues to evolve
The Plant Sage Behind - The Plant Society
Jason Chongue is a veritable celebrity in the plant world — and taking a walk through his foliage-filled home, you can see why!
Funky Wooden Features Bring This Space To Life
This Coogee property was given a new life with creative wooden solutions and an injection of tropical-inspired greenery, creating that holiday experience right in the backyard