permaculture

["Permaculture West" <permawest@olywa.net>]

        I'd like to initiate a discussion on methods of increasing microbial
populations in the solum.  In the case of my site (river valley
inland/coastal NW WA) the A & B horizons of the soil are heavy clay with
only a small amount of humus accumulation on the surface.  Geologically
speaking, this area is very young and we haven't had plant cover long
enough to develop deep humus layers and their associated diverse microbial
populations (outside of the forests that is).  The pioneer species here
(grasses and woody, taprooted herbs) are doing their job conditioning the
ground with biomass and mineral accumulation but I still sense that
conditions are not yet quite right yet for strong populations of soil
fauna.  I'd like to "force" their succession somewhat to create a more
vital and nutrient rich substrate to receive future plantings.
        There are numerous ways to foster greater soil microbial populations:
sheet mulching, spraying with simple sugars (molasses, etc.), ranging
animals or using enzyme rich animal manure, etc., etc.  I invite people to
share their strategies for cultivating the garden beneath the soil.

                                                                Regards,
                                                                Kirk Hanson

Kirk Hanson
C/O Permaculture West
72 Mattson Rd.
Oakville, WA 98568
ph./fx. (360) 273-7117
e-mail: permawest@olywa.net