There is a new awareness noticeable as far as soil management is concerned, and we can help each other see what we look at, feel what we touch, and understand what we hear and what our environment is all about.
Soil is not just simply dirt! It is a living entity and has to be treated as such. Just as other living beings, including humans, need micro- organisms in order to survive the soil must be fed by adding composted materials which, in turn, if added in the right amount will facilitate micro-organisms and prevent the sun from baking the soil. Trees and grass will do the same. In the fields and other areas we need to correct the mistakes which are still being made, primarily the addition of PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES, AND FUNGICIDES.
It has never been shown scientifically that these chemicals help the living soil. On the contrary, they frequently kill many of its' components such as earthworms and a host of micro-organisms. This must be brought to the attention of people who are merely interested in environmental aesthetics and not the living soil.
Another silent killer and cause of many problems is soil compaction which can lead to elemental deficiencies in the trees, not for lack of elements in the soil but important micro-organisms have been disturbed which would normally facilitate the absorption of these elements into the tree. Likewise, the addition of fertilizers is of little or no benefit to soil or tree. In most cases, composted materials properly applied will do wonders in time. Here you have a glimpse of what soil management is all about.
Wouldn't it be lovely if a landscaper knew the difference between ring porous, diffuse porous, and conifer? Because if joined in the same planting you create a problem: they do not require water at the same time in the same amounts.
95/12/20
John A. Keslick Jr.
Tree Biologist
Contact
Text & Graphics Copyright © 1997 Keslick & Son Modern Arboriculture