Dead soil lacks the nutrients, organic matter, and microbes that plants need to grow. It may also have a poor soil structure, low water retention capacity, or a pH level that is too acidic or too basic.
Often, problems such as soil compaction, erosion, or contamination are to blame. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers can also degrade soil by causing the buildup of heavy metals.
Reviving dead soil is possible, but it requires a combination of techniques to restore soil fertility and biological activity. The following sections describe what you can do. We’ve also included some related videos from Go Natural Education.
Test the Soil
Start by testing your soil to understand its pH levels and deficiencies. This will help you to determine how to amend your soil. Also, remember that testing for pH alone is not enough. There are now low-cost, easy-to-use kits you can use to test for soil microbes, tiny organisms that support plant growth.
Amend the Soil
Based on your soil test results, add appropriate amendments such as lime to neutralize soil acidity and raise the pH. You can also add manure to increase the soil’s fertility.
Add Organic Matter
Incorporate organic matter such as compost or leaf mold into the soil. Organic matter improves soil structure, provides essential nutrients, and encourages soil microbes.
Aerate the Soil
Soil aeration refers to the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen gases between soil pores and the atmosphere. Tilling compacted layers of soil helps with this process.
Use Low-Till Farming
Aeration is important but avoid intensive techniques (such as rototilling) that can breakdown soil structure and increase erosion.
Mulch the Surface
Apply mulch to the surface of the soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually improve soil structure as the mulch decomposes.
Add Microbes
Make compost tea by mixing manure with water and let it age. After an aging process, apply the tea to the soil. This fermentation process extracts beneficial microbes.
Rotate Crops
Don’t plant the same crops in the same place year after year. Rotate what you grow so that the soil won’t become depleted of specific nutrients.
Water Wisely
Avoid watering too much or too little. Waterlogged soil limits the amount of oxygen that’s available to the plant’s roots. Soil that’s too dry has the lowest resistance to erosion.
Remain Patient and Persistent
Restoring dead soil is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Monitor soil health regularly and adjust your management practices as needed.