Source: usda.gov

Soil Fun Facts

• Soil makes up a remarkable thin layer of Earth's crust (Only about 25 miles deep, which is 1% of Earth's total mass). This thin layer is vital to human survival and contains all known life in the unverse. 
   
• Simple tests can be preformed to indicate soil health. Look for the presence of earthworms or mycorrhizal fungi to indicate the overall health of the soil ecosystem
   
• Soil purifies polluted water as it infiltrates into the ground. The biological, chemical, and physical filtering processes in a healthy soil protect the quality of drinking water in the aquefors below Long Island, filtering from heavy metals and chemicals.  

Principles of Soil Health. source: nrcs.gov

Interested in testing your soil at home or in the garden? NCSWCD will be hosting a soil testing event where Nassau County residents can recieve free testing on 1 - 3 saples. Next event date: August 18th, 2024

Major nutrients in the soil

Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is a key element in plant growth, it is found in all plant cells. Nitrogen makes up about 78% of earths atmosphere (N2). However most living things cannot use (N2) and rely on broken down nitrogen compounds such as nitrates (NO3) and nitrites (NO2). Some plants such as legumes can fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2) by converting it into ammonium compounds and then into (NO2)/(NO3) using bacteria that live in their roots, this process is called nitrogen fixation. Lastly, the bacteria break down nitrates releasing nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere through a process called denitrification. 

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus helps plants with capturing, storing and converting the sun's energy into a form plants can use to preform photosynthesis. Phosphorus is a key component in plant cell division and is used in the development of the growing tip of the plant. Phosphorus can stimulate development of healthy roots, seeds and fruit. Phosphorus also contributes to disease resistance and increases the efficency of a plants water use. 

Potassium (K)

Potassium aids in plant cell growth by activating enzymes called "hydrolases" which break down a cell wall's structural components, loosening the cell wall and allowing for expansion and growth. Potassium also helps move water, sugars and starches throughout the plant, which plays an important role in a plants overall yield and quality. 

The Nutrient Cycle

Plants absorb nutrients

Plants take up nutrients from the soil and atmosphere. For example, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose and other organic compounds through photosynthesis. These compounds are stored in the soil when plants and animals die and leave behind residue.

Microorganisms break down matter

Microorganisms in the soil, such as fungi and bacteria, break down organic matter and waste products from dead organisms. This process makes nutrients available again in mineral form so plants can use them. For example, nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which nitrifying bacteria then convert into nitrate that plants can use.

Organisms consume nutrients

Animals and humans eat plants that have absorbed nutrients from the soil. When organisms die or excrete waste, nutrients are released back into the environment.