Healthy soil and sustainable growing

["D'Coda" <dcoda@volcommunity.org>]

 

 

Hello Dieter,

 

Have you tried waffle beds? I've been to southern Portugal and its a lot like southern California, where I first learned about waffle beds as a way to maximize water retention in desert areas. I've also used it here in Arkansas during droughty summers and keep one section of my garden in such beds just in case the summer turns on me. Its quite simple, its the reverse of a raised bed. Make them in roughly 4 x 4 squares, you have a pit. The removed topsoil is replaced along with whatever amendments, compost and mulch on top so that the growing bed winds up about 8-12 inches below the surface of the surrounding level ground.  Water from level ground will drain into it, even if its very little water. The"earth wall" helps by providing some shade  and gives wind protection. In my section of waffle beds its like a checker-board with the level ground serving as a wide path between the pits. They have done very well for me. Water doesn't seem to evaporate as quickly as with level ground or raised beds.

 

D'Coda

(in the wilderness and no internet access, email turnaround 2-6 weeks)

In the northern hemisphere it is once again time get out the water hose from the garden shed. And I’m again trying to think of ways for improving the water-retention properties of the soil in order to reduce the need for irrigation. So far I have tried the following:

- Compost for improving soil structure and increasing the organic component of the soil.

- Mulch for protecting the soil and preventing moisture from evaporating.

- No-till cultivation for maintaining the organic web (including the mycorrhizal relationship) intact.

However, I’m still trying to find other methods for improving the water-retention properties. In particular, I’m wondering:

- are there any plants that have the ability to store water?

- which crops need little or no water?

- how can I make use of night-time air humidity?

- should I cut cover crops for use as mulch at the start of the dry season, or is it best to let it grow until it withers of its own?

I very much appreciate input on any of the above or on any other ideas for improving the soil and saving water.

Regards, Dieter Brand, Portugal

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