Welcome to our Autumn issue Natural Farming newsletter. In this issue, we cover some of the primary methods, used on regenerative farms today, to build and sustain healthy soil biology.
The Primary Needs of Microbes
Much like humans, most soil microorganisms have the basic requirements for survival consisting of food, air and water.
Reducing soil compaction, while maintaining consistent ground cover, enables moisture levels in the soil to better regulate, which helps provide all three needs. This results in microorganisms that can multiply and perform critical plant/soil tasks.
Water stable aggregates and rhizosheaths are important for carbon capture and plant nutrient acquisition because they provide specialised micro-aerobic fixation sites for microorganisms.
This is where microbes can break eg. nitrogen bonds and turn them into plant available forms. Inside these fixation sites, are the only place where nitrogen fixation can occur.
One of the benefits to having multi-species cover is improved soil structure. With different plant species there are different root systems and nutrient requirements.
As a result, diversity above the ground, brings in a diversity of microorganisms to the soil, enabling more plant immunity and nutrient acquisition for crops.
Moisture levels in the soil can be enhanced by using natural covers. The moisture created by covering soil with grasses or crops, helps beneficial microorganisms to survive and multiply.
Alternatives to cover crops may be mulch, leaves, tarps or shade cloth over tunnels and compost piles.
SONIC Biological Fertiliser is made using a beneficial soil microbe formula that helps to stimulate and feed biology in the soil.
Throughout history Fish Hydrolysate has been used as a fertiliser for plants and an excellent food source for soil fungi and microbes.
Biological Seaweed Fertiliser contains seaweeds own natural growth hormones, and delivers a full spectrum of minerals and trace elements to feed plants and soil microbes.
At SONIC Natural Farming, we believe primary goal number one for human health is to improve the biology in our soil. Through the use of natural inputs and by enabling natures biological processes to occur, genuine nutrient dense food can be produced.
New Farmer Review
Rod and Tania Bruin from Summit Organics in the Northern Rivers, NSW, have been using SONIC Liquid Seaweed Biological Fertiliser and Fish Hydrolysate on their seeds, microgreens and mixed crops for over a year. Here's a short video where Rod talks about what they discovered. Watch the video.