Geological Applications in Gardening

 

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For some, gardening is a simple pleasure that they put minimal effort into. For others, it is a much more involved hobby that brings them joy and satisfaction. However, whichever end of the spectrum you may fall on, there is more to successful gardening than meets the eye.

While minimal effort might produce some immediate satisfactory results, it is not sustainable over time. To maintain a garden year after year and see it flourish, you’ve got to put back into the soil what is taken out of it. Essentially, you’ve got to use a bit of science—geology, to be exact.

 Geology is the study of the earth and what it is made up of, including rocks and minerals, and minerals play an essential role in gardening. On a larger scale, the agriculture industry has been using geological applications in farming for years to keep soil and crops healthy. But even everyday gardeners can have more success if they use these same applications.

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Soil is More Than Dirt

When you are gardening, everything essentially boils down to the soil. Watering and sunlight, of course, play a crucial role as well, but it is the soil that is the foundation of your garden and will ultimately determine how much success you have.

 While most people think of soil as the dirt in the ground, it is actually a complex mixture of minerals and organic matter. The soil that exists all around the earth is essential to our existence as it plays a key role in sustaining plant growth. The minerals and matter found in the soil can vary from one region to the next, and they ultimately determine what plants can grow there and which ones can’t.

 Soil formation occurs through a series of processes that takes place just below the Earth’s surface:

1. Weathering produces loose debris, new minerals, and ions.
2. Rainwater percolates through the debris and carries minerals and ions down into the ground. New minerals form further down in the ground as a result of the water mixing with the debris.
3. Microbes, fungi, plants, and animals contribute to the process by absorbing nutrients and leaving behind organic waste and remains. Plant roots and burrowing animals churn and break up the sediment, and microbes metabolize minerals and organic matter, releasing chemicals into the soil. 

These processes all occur at different depths in the ground, which results in what is known as soil zones. These zones, also known as horizons, are arranged in a vertical sequence and make up the soil profile. The geological makeup of a soil, or its profile, will then determine what plant life can grow there. 

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Choosing the Right Soil For Your Garden

While some plants can adapt to the soil they are planted in, they will be stronger and healthier if they have the proper nutrients. So, it’s important to ensure your soil profile is healthy and has the right minerals your plants need to sustain your garden. Though the specific soil and minerals you need will vary depending on your region and the plants you wish to grow, all plants require 17 elements to complete their life cycle.

 Aside from Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen, all of which are obtained from air and water, plants can get the remaining elements they need from fertilizers, manures, and amendments added to the soil. The soil itself, without any additions, should also have a good combination of minerals. If it doesn’t, you will need to add them in.

Using Minerals to Enhance Your Soil

To determine which minerals you need to use to enhance your soil, you will need to run a test. While there are at-home test kits available, the better option is to search your local area for companies that provide testing services. They will give you a more accurate result of the deficiencies in your soil.

 Some common minerals that you can use to address deficiencies in your soil include:

●     Limestone

●     Sulfur

●     Mineral N-P-K (Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium)

Harmful Substances to Avoid

Vermiculite, a puffy, lightweight granule that some use to improve aeration in their soil, can sometimes contain cancer-causing asbestos. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that, on its own, is harmless, but before the 1990s, it was mined from the same ore deposits that contained asbestos mineral fibers. While modern products that contain vermiculite have high safety standards and should be asbestos-free, you should avoid old or imported vermiculite soil amendments.

Using Rocks to Add Depth to Your Garden

For many, having a garden is like having their own peaceful retreat in their backyard. However, building that retreat can take some time and effort. If you are looking to create a flourishing and sustainable garden, it’s important to do some research and use the applications above to ensure you have healthy soil.

If science isn’t your thing, you can still create a natural escape using rocks. Rock gardens are a great way to add depth and dimension without putting in much effort. You can certainly create an elaborate design using rocks and plants, but if you are looking for something that is easier to maintain and requires minimal effort, a simple rock garden is a way to go. There is no need to test and amend your soil, simply plan out your design, dig out the space, and lay the rocks down.

Wrapping Up

Though an understanding of geology is not necessary to plant a garden, it is highly beneficial for those looking to create something more sustainable that will last for years to come. Doing a bit of research and studying can go a long way towards creating a healthier and flourishing garden. Furthermore, the healthier our soil and plants are, the healthier our planet will be as a whole.