Healthy soil and sustainable growing

[Harvey Ussery <harvey@themodernhomestead.us>]

On 07/07/2011 10:35 AM, Tradingpost wrote:
> In organic systems, soil is strengthened, not depleted, and it uses less 
> energy. This method of farming is safe, reliable, and actually sustainable. 
> Organic farming is our best solution for feeding the world.

Organic methods also contribute more organic matter/humus over 
time--fertilizing with chemical salts contributes zero OM--with the 
result that the soil is much more drought resistant. I have so many 
times had gardeners in my area say "We've had to give up on the garden 
for this year--just too dry" and suddenly realize that, yes, it had been 
pretty dry but I hadn't really noticed because my garden hadn't gotten 
seriously water-stressed as yet. Very high OM levels.

~Harvey

--
Harvey in northern Virginia
www.themodernhomestead.us

My book, THE SMALL-SCALE POULTRY FLOCK: An All-Natural Approach to Raising 
Chickens and Other Fowl for Home and Market Growers, will be published this 
year by Chelsea Green Publishing 
(www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/the_smallscale_poultry_flock).