The National Allotment Society - Soil Health

This earth includes the soil. Soil is more than just dirt, it is a complex ecosystem, living and breathing beneath our feet for every step we take.

Soil can be damaged in many ways including carelessness and neglect just like other delicate ecosystems such as rainforests can.

Soil health can be improved by considerate gardeners; their approach is to look after the soil and let the soil look after their crops.

Principles Of Soil Health

Allotment gardening lends itself to healthy soil The principles to follow are:

1. Increase organic matter

2. Cover the soil, so it is not exposed

3. Minimise soil disturbance

4. Reduce pesticide use

5. High plant diversity

6. Avoid compaction by heavy machinery

For the full leaflet on Soil Health and ways you can improve your soil, check out the National Allotment Society’s soil leaflet here. Alternatively, check out their website.