Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined by its “fitness for use” (Larson and Pierce, 1991) and “the capacity to function within natural or managed ecosystems in a way that does the following: sustains plant and animal productivity, maintains or enhances water and air quality, and supports human health and habitation” (Karlen et al., 1997).
To maintain healthy soil, you first need to recognize it as a living ecosystem that needs care. Lyngso created a guide that covers essential steps to support soil structure, texture, pH levels, and biological activity for a thriving landscape.
Understanding the difference between soil texture and soil structure is crucial for soil health management:
Next, to fully understand what types of soil amendments, composts, fertilizers, and mulches your soil needs, you want to start by testing your California soil. This will reveal things like soil texture, pH, nutrients, and organic matter.
Before applying any amendments, fertilizers, or compost, it’s important to test your soil. This will help you identify factors like:
Ideally, your soil should have characteristics that include:
For an in-depth look, watch Getting to Know Your Soil Part 1 & Getting to Know Your Soil Part 2.
Adding the right amendments, compost, and fertilizers can greatly enhance soil quality. Here’s how each contributes:
Soil amendments improve physical properties such as aeration, permeability, and moisture retention.
Some of the best soil amendments include:
Browse a selection of organic soil amendments at Lyngso garden supplies. for solutions tailored to California’s diverse soil conditions.
Compost is decomposed organic matter rich in nutrients that enhance soil structure and moisture retention. Benefits include:
A top choice in California is Organic Green Waste Garden Compost which is particularly beneficial in coastal areas like the Bay Area. Read more in The Pros and Cons of Various Types of Compost As They Relate to Your Plant Growing Goals
Fertilizers address nutrient deficiencies, ensuring plants receive the necessary nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Before applying fertilizers, always test soil pH levels to determine precise nutrient needs.
Compost Tea is a liquid concentrate containing beneficial microbes that:
One excellent option for stimulating root growth and mitigating transplant shock is Bu’s Brew Dynamic Compost Tea. It has billions of microbes in addition to all of the major and minor nutrients and trace minerals.
Soil amendments, compost, and organic fertilizers all offer your soil varying components that it may need in order to reach its greatest potential. Learn more about what each provides so that you can determine which is best to use with your soil.
When thinking about protecting your soil, think mulch. Mulch refers to any ground cover that protects the soil. Organic and natural mulch helps with moisture retention, weed prevention, and water loss due to surface evaporation. Covering your landscape with at least 1″ of mulch helps provide the soil with much-needed protection from natural weathering elements. Plus, the mulch will decompose over time, providing carbon matter and feeding your soil.
Lyngso has several mulches to choose from so you can match your garden aesthetics while helping protect your soil. An attractive and popular example is Mini Mulch Fir Bark, which decomposes faster than larger mulch and turns into an organic soil amendment so you get the best of both worlds, protection and the improvement of your soil’s physical properties.
At Lyngso, we’re passionate about soil health and committed to helping gardeners and landscapers succeed. Whether you need expert advice, quality amendments, or hands-on workshops, we’re here to support you.
Join one of our clinics or events to gain in-depth knowledge or contact us for personalized guidance. With over 60 years of experience, we’re proud to be your go-to source for high-quality soil products and solutions.
