As an agriculturalist, soil is the pivotal structure on this planet unto which life is created and unto which life is returned to. It is a symphony orchestra, emitting a cacophony that echoes through the soil horizons. A diverse soil will have biota including bacteria, microbes, arthropods, annelids, and fungi. Through their independent actions, they form one life force that is the soil. In fact, according to the Natural Resources and Conservation service, “A teaspoon of productive soil generally contains between 100 million and 1 billion bacteria. That is as much mass as two cows per acre.”

Soil is a combination of sand, silt, and clay particles. Depending on the percentages of these particles found in the soil, a soil can be classified. For instance, on Long Island, the high percentage of sand particles would lead to the conclusion that the soil is a “sandy soil” type. These soils are generally favorable to vegetable and fruit production as they allow copious amounts of water due to sands large particle size.

Along with sand, silt, and clay soil is also comprised of air and something even more important. This would be organic matter. Organic matter is essentially the decayed remains of plants. These decayed remains over time will strengthen soil structure which will form aggregates, it will allow for greater water holding capacity, higher interaction between positively charged molecules (Cation exchange capacity), higher potential for water infiltration, and a higher potential to hold onto plant available nutrients.

It was Sir Albert Howard, an English botanist who studied traditional agriculture in India who noticed the relationship between healthy soil, healthy plants, healthy livestock, and healthy humans. This led to an extraordinary discovery to which Albert concluded “The soil is, as a matter of fact, full of live organisms. It is essential to conceive of it as something pulsating with life, not as a dead or inert mass. There could be no greater misconception than to regard the earth as dead: a handful of soil is teeming with life”

To think, the source of the ultimate health rests beneath our feet is a thought that we do not consider often. Yet a simple change in mindset, a new demand for knowledge, and a new rise in consciousness can change your personal world as well as the global society to which our lives are almost controlled.

I see a beauty in soil. It creates something, from nothing. Undergoing a cyclical process comprised of life and death it is an occurrence that has been happening virtually since the beginning of time. I hope to have informed you of something new, something you can use, and something that could bring you to a realization.

Peace to all,

David Gambino