North Central Ohio, across the Corn belt ! | Ministry of Agriculture quote, Biological Activity of Soil Life
( Biological activity of soil life helps to build and maintain soil structure or tilth. Burrowing by ants, beetles and earthworms, for example, creates channels (macropores) that allow water to move into and through the soil rapidly.
Under no-till conditions, macropores remain largely undisturbed which helps explain reports by farmers that fields drain better under no till. Various types of soil life also improve soil structure by blending soil particles and organic matter.
The level of biological activity determines in large part a soil's resilience, or ability to recover from stresses like compaction, excess water, and tillage. Think of the fields you're familiar with. A field with high soil resilience is one that always seems able to put out a good crop, regardless of conditions.
Soil Organisms
Soil organisms play a direct role in plant health, too. Some are crop pests and others are predators on the pest organisms. A soil with a wide diversity of organisms is more likely to be a healthy soil with fewer plant diseases.
Soil is truly alive. It teems with plant and animal life, mostly invisible. In these articles we'll be taking a closer look at the impact of those organisms on our crops, and our impact on them. The accompanying item on ground beetles is an example of what's to come. End quote
again, these animals must be fed, and fed well. Bedded down for the winter.
If one wants good and healthy germination come spring. and healthy, green plant material from the beginning to the natural maturity process. |
Fall N for residue breakdown?
