Soil II: Composition

The texture of your soil can seem perfect - fluffy, dark, with all the looks of fertility. However, if anything else is off-balance, you may find some difficulty.

Every plant likes a different kind of soil type, but this is generally considered the "ideal" soil - 45% mineral matter, 25% water, 25% air, and only 5% organic material.

The inorganic mineral matter is sand, silt, and clay. They differ from each other in size, characteristics, and properties. They're not "alive".

There's water and air, which allow for a habitable environment for your most important 5% - your macro/microorganisms and organic material, such as compost and worm castings.

The microbiome of your soil feeds on organic (and inorganic) matter, and translates the nutrients and minerals in the soil into food your plants can actually use.

Once again for those in the back: you can't really grow anything without bacteria and fungi!

Providing a hospitable environment is of great importance.