Extremely dry, extremely wet, or both. As a grower, you know how damaging a disrupted water balance can be for your soil and crops. Water that drains too quickly or remains stagnant leads to plant stress. The solution lies in a well-structured, porous soil that retains water in the top layer while gradually draining excess moisture. Deeper rooting and aggregate formation enhance the capillary action of groundwater. But how do you create a porous soil structure? And what role do organic matter and micro-organisms play in this process?
Water management in the soil is influenced by factors such as soil structure, organic material, and micro-organisms. A depleted, permeable soil does not retain water and nutrients effectively, which can lead to drought or waterlogging. Drought makes the soil too dry for crops, while a saturated soil deprives roots of oxygen. An effective water management system is crucial to both retain water and drain excess moisture. Innovations such as irrigation systems and soil moisture sensors can help optimize water management, but these technologies do not directly contribute to natural soil and root processes.
The importance of organic matter and micro-organisms in water management
The primary solution lies in improving soil structure with organic material, such as compost or organic fertilisers. This increases the soil’s water retention capacity by creating larger pores that distribute and store water more efficiently.
Organic material also promotes the activity of micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi, which break down organic matter and form humus. Humus acts as a sponge that both retains water and keeps nutrients available for plants. Healthy microbial activity accelerates these processes, ensuring better water storage and drainage.
How to create an active soil life
To establish active soil life, organic fertilisers and soil enhancers can make a significant difference. Did you know that at Den Ouden GrowSolutions, we offer three effective solutions?
- FertiSoil 4-3-3 contains 65% organic material and is a fertiliser that can retain up to three times its own weight in water. The stored water will gradually release from the organic matter when surrounding soil particles dry out. This ensures an ideal balance even during dry periods and supports the slow and steady release of nutrients, promoting crop growth.
- TerraBoost contains 54% organic matter. This product stimulates the activity of beneficial micro-organisms in the soil, accelerating the transformation of organic material into humus. As a result, water retention and nutrient availability improve.
- FertiBoost 11-0-5 is a plant-based organo-mineral fertiliser that enriches the soil with organic matter and stimulates soil life, even at low temperatures. It enhances microbial activity, allowing nutrients to become available for plant growth more quickly. Additionally, FertiBoost 11-0-5 ensures rapid nitrogen release, with half of it available within the first month. This supports vital plant growth and strengthens the development of leaves, stems, and roots. The plant-based amino acids present in the product contribute to plant health under stressful growing conditions. In combination with TerraBoost, FertiBoost 11-0-5 provides an optimal balance between immediate nutrient availability and long-term soil improvement, resulting in a healthy soil ecosystem and strong crops.
Improving soil structure and promoting a healthy soil life are the keys to successful water management. Together, FertiSoil 4-3-3, TerraBoost and FertiBoost 11-0-5 ensure that the soil retains water more effectively and makes nutrients optimally available for crops. They contribute to sustainable water management that enhances soil health and helps crops better cope with the challenges of a changing climate.
