Living Soil

Walking through my orchard I often feel that the true magic lies beneath the surface. The soil is alive with a quiet community of fungi and microorganisms that work tirelessly to keep the trees healthy and the harvest abundant. Over the years I have learnt to observe and nurture these unseen allies and they have rewarded me with stronger plants and richer flavours.

The foundation of all this life is a living soil. It is not an inert mass of dirt but a breathing community of earthworms, fungi, bacteria, and tiny insects that create a balanced ecosystem. Earthworms tunnel through the soil drawing in air and moisture while leaving behind castings and poop that are rich in plant available nutrients. Their gentle movement keeps the soil loose and well drained which allows roots to grow deeper and stronger. Interwoven with their tunnels are vast mycelial networks that connect trees and plants in a silent exchange of minerals water and even chemical signals. I often imagine these filaments as connections from the popular ‘Avatar’ film.

Protozoa, nematodes, springtails, and other tiny creatures graze on microbes recycle nutrients and keep populations in balance. Layers of organic matter from leaf litter and compost feed this community while stable soil aggregates create pockets of air and moisture.

One of the most remarkable companions in the soil is mycorrhizal fungi. These delicate networks of filaments attach themselves to the roots of fruit trees and extend far into the earth. They bring water and nutrients such as phosphorus and trace minerals to the trees in exchange for simple sugars. This partnership helps the roots reach places they could never explore on their own. I have noticed that trees with a thriving mycorrhizal network are more resilient during dry spells and flourish better when the conditions are more conducive. Now I use their commercially available spores to coat the roots while planting new fruit trees.

Talking of fungi, Trichoderma is another beneficial fungus that plays the role of a gentle guardian. It colonises the root zone and competes with harmful pathogens. By simply being present it keeps many soil borne diseases in check. I often apply a compost tea rich in Trichoderma to give the young saplings a strong start. It works well along with mycorrhizal fungi. Another ally that deserves special mention is Metarhizium anisopliae. This remarkable fungus acts as a natural insect control by infecting and suppressing harmful pests that live in the soil. It targets pests such as beetle larvae and other root dwelling insects while leaving beneficial organisms unharmed. I introduce Metarhizium into my orchard through well prepared compost or bio formulations and it quietly builds a protective layer beneath the trees. Its presence allows the orchard to stay vibrant without relying on chemical insecticides.

Among the microscopic workers there are countless bacteria that quietly enrich the soil. Nitrogen fixing bacteria such as Azotobacter capture nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use while phosphate solubilising bacteria unlock minerals bound in soil particles and make them available to the trees. These helpers reduce the need for outside fertilisers and help keep the orchard and lawn self sustaining. Over time I have observed an interesting shift. As an orchard matures and the soil is left largely undisturbed the balance of nitrogen fixation gradually moves from bacteria to fungi. In old forests and long established orchards with stable living soil it is the fungal networks that carry most of the responsibility for bringing atmospheric nitrogen into the ecosystem.

Another valuable friend in the root zone is Azospirillum, a soil bacterium that forms close associations with plant roots and stimulates the growth of fine roots and lateral branches. It produces natural growth hormones that improve nutrient absorption and moisture uptake and can also fix small amounts of atmospheric nitrogen, though its main strength lies in enhancing root vitality rather than supplying nitrogen. Some strains help prime the plant’s immune system and subtly alter the plant’s scent profile, making it less attractive to pests and more appealing to beneficial insects. By supporting stronger roots and triggering natural defences Azospirillum quietly strengthens the orchard’s resilience and adds a gentle insecticidal layer without disturbing the balance of the living soil.

Pseudomonas fluorescens is yet another beneficial soil bacterium that protects plant roots by suppressing harmful fungi and bacteria through the production of natural antibiotics and enzymes. It also promotes root growth and enhances nutrient uptake, helping plants stay healthy and resilient without chemical treatments.

The microorganisms present in ready to use commercial waste decomposer concentrates bring yet another layer of vitality. This culture contains a blend of fast acting decomposers that break down organic matter with impressive speed. I use these to make a liquid fertilizer by adding to a mix of water, jaggery, and stinging nettle. When applied to compost heaps or directly to mulch layers this liquid fertilizer accelerates the transformation of plant residues into rich humus. The resulting compost teems with beneficial bacteria and fungi that invigorate the soil and feed the trees with a steady release of nutrients. On spraying the soil, it helps make the soil loamy and even seems to increase the earthworm population. Another interesting biological product that I use is Bokashi, commercially available as spores mixed with barn. Bokashi fermentation offers a different but equally valuable contribution. The Bokashi process uses a special mix of lactic acid bacteria yeasts and phototrophic microbes to ferment kitchen scraps and garden waste. Instead of rotting the material ferments and preserves more of its nutrients. When buried in the orchard soil the fermented matter decomposes quickly and enriches the microbial life in the root zone.

Do I use any chemicals in my orchard? Yes, I do. However these are ones that are not considered harmful to the soil. Commercially available formulations of garlic oil, humic acid, seaweed extracts (kelp) are some such examples. Sometimes, I also add various ‘meals’ prepared using different organic components like bone, fish, blood. With time, as the soil in my garden and orchard develops a stable, self-sustaining structure, I hope to reduce these additions even further. I do have to use neem oil at times, but I prefer to avoid it since it harms the beneficial insects as well.

To support the hidden network under the surface of soil, I follow practices that keep the soil undisturbed and rich in organic matter. Mulching with fallen leaves and compost provides food for fungi and bacteria. Avoiding harsh chemicals allows these organisms to thrive and maintain a natural balance. My orchard’s soil still has a long way to go but I feel that we are fast progressing towards the soil that it should have. Soil that is softer and more fragrant, with a dark crumbly loamy texture.

Every time I see a new flush of blossoms or taste a fruit with unexpected sweetness or flavour, I am reminded that the credit belongs as much to these silent hidden partners as to the sun and rain. Caring for them is not just good horticulture. It is a way of honouring the sacred web of life that sustains us all.

Note for my readers: Use this post as a guide for your garden/orchard. I will be happy to discuss if you need any more information.

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