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30 January 2011
I arrived at the farm today after having accepted the fact it would be raining just as it stopped.
Right away, a guy with a old-timey newspaper reporter hat and a crazy camera was directed my way. He wanted to talk to me about the importance of soil.
I pointed out important historical battles and truces in the development of soil fungus and bacteria soil cohabitation. Two groups of little creatures you cannot see fight over air, food and space just like all other living things. In the end, they make homes for each other and allow each other to survive. They create their own habitat, replete with air holes, water drainage, and living spaces designed and used by each other.
Life processes of plants are made possible by the nutrient bucket-brigade bacteria and fungus provide to plants. Without this most basic level of biological organization, the rest of life would not be possible. Plants could not survive with out constant external attention to their nutrient needs which microorganisms provide both on purpose and by coincidence. In other words, soil is alive and is far more than the sum of its parts.
So, if you are interested in eternal fungus vs bacteria soil battles, Soils 101: Intro to Soils is happening on Tuesday from 1-4pm. Bring your compost.
Also, you’ll learn more practical aspects of building “good” soil. Want to learn how to build a compost pile? That will happen. If you would like to paint signs about the whole soil thing, that may happen as well. It’s not all science—but you will clearly understand why Mr. Newsman-hat said to me, “so, you’re obsessed with bacteria?” as he was leaving…
"The Beautiful Farm" by Daniel Farnan, January 20, 2011
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