Organic Soil Management: Busting Myths with Real World Results.

We have traveled the world to select only the very best methods of taking care of our lawns and plants in Austin, Texas. We aim to fully explain our organic soil management. What we do, and how we do it.

Our organic soil management focuses in the natural nutrient cycling provided by nature for lawns and plants. By identifying the natural cycle first, we run against the industry convention of using synthetic chemicals and harmful pollutants, such as synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides, to counteract highly specific lawn and plant health conditions. We believe a holistic approach in taking care of lawns and plants is and has always been the best approach. We highlight our use of natural and organic methods to achieve desirable results. Our unique approach to lawn and plant care has been proven to improve soil water retention, increase the breakdown of organic layers (thatch) and leaves (yes, fallen leaves!), increase nutrient availability to plants, suppress diseases, and increase the natural aeration capability of the lawn.

Microbial Analysis

Aside from the commonly used testing of available primary nutrient levels in soil, it is just as important to also analyze for immobile and mobile bacterial levels, fungi, as well as beneficial predators like protozoa and nematodes population when selecting an organic matter amendment strategy. Specifically for lawns, we are looking for nutrient cycling systems that is largely bacterial dominated to function optimally. For plants, we require fungal dominated soils. Microbial analysis is an additional tool we use to create a holistic picture of the soil composition.

Mycorrrhizal fungi form narrow threads in compost and attach themselves to root structures. These microbial organisms consume exudates from plant roots. The nutrients become stored as food and moisture for plants - to draw on when needed - as well as nematode predators. The waste from the nematodes also becomes food for the plants - completing this natural nutrient cycle.

Bacteria also play a key role in plant nutrition by immobilizing nutrients in the rhizoshepere. These microbes decompose organic matter and ingest root exudates, preventing them from leaching out of the soil. These valuable nutrients are tied up in the bacteria until they are eventually released in the ammonium (NH4+) waste of protozoa predators, for use by the plant.

Chemical Analysis

Measuring the pH level is where a chemical analysis typically starts and historically ends. As science progressed, we eventually added the three primary nutrients known to encourage grass and plant growth; Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorous (N, K, and P). This is crucial in determining the baseline of available nutrients, and crucial in accurate adjustments in the field. Then, secondary plant nutrients were added, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur. To date, most professionals will say that there are between 40-44 essential grass and plant nutrients. On very large projects, we typically contract the help of a trusted laboratory to measure all essential nutrients and Cation Exchange Capacities (CEC), and soluble salt contents. For most residential applications, however, knowing the pH, primary, and secondary nutrient levels are enough to make an informed decision.

ORGANIC SOIL MANAGEMENT RESULTS

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Note: All photos are unedited real world photos.

Lawn

Day 0

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Note: All photos are unedited real world photos.

​DAY 15

DAY 43

These were the last photos of this property. Unfortunately, our client had to move. We would have loved to continue taking photos of the continuous progress we made.

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Shrubs and Hedges

Note: All photos are unedited real world photos.