Soil Prep & AmendmentsSoil Prep & Amendments

Healthy SoilHealthy Soil Healthy PlantsHealthy Plants Healthy Planet Healthy Planet

Supports plants

Holds nutrients,

water, air & helpful

organisms

Soil CompositionSoil Composition

Decomposed rock particles

Organic matter from decomposing plants & animals

Air

Water

Living organisms

Is it dirt or is it soil?

Soil Texture and TypeSoil Texture and Type

Sand

Silt

Clay

The larger the particles -

the faster water passes through it

Soil TestSoil Test

Rough & Gritty

SANDY

Sticky

CLAY

Slippery

SILT

Increasing Soil FertilityIncreasing Soil Fertility

Replenish nutrients

Nature’s WayNature’s Way

Compost Compost A Controlled ProcessA Controlled Process

BREAKDOWN SPEED

Carbon

Nitrogen

Aeration

Moisture

Volume

Supplies organic matter to soilSupplies organic matter to soilAttracts earthworms Attracts earthworms Stimulates beneficial soil Stimulates beneficial soil microorganismsmicroorganismsIncreases soil water holding capacityIncreases soil water holding capacityIncreases soil nutrient retentionIncreases soil nutrient retentionReduces organics in landfillsReduces organics in landfills

Why Compost

VermicompostingVermicomposting

A classroom exploration into life cycles

Building and Maintaining Building and Maintaining Healthy SoilHealthy Soil

Understand our soil

Keep it nutrient-rich

Cover with mulch

Maintain good aeration