Olga

All too often these days, if we want to fix a problem in the garden, we reach for something in a bag or bottle. I realize we're all in a hurry, we want a quick fix, and we don't want to overthink the options.

But these solutions are often only temporary, and they can lead to greater problems.

Because we're only addressing the obvious problem, without consideration to the potential consequences, we fail to realize the greater damage over time, especially of repeated applications that can be far worse than a short-term, quick fix.

One of the biggest consequences of these actions involves the damage taking place in our soil. Many people are surprised to know that one teaspoon of typical backyard garden soil has more life (in the form of microorganisms) than there are people on the planet. They range in size from single-cell bacteria, fungi, protozoa and microscopic worms called nematodes to soil-dwelling bugs known as arthropods and earthworms. Collectively, these creatures and more make up this underground community known as the soil food web.

But when we add high salt-based inorganic fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides on and around our plants, we are unknowingly destroying a complex network of life underground that includes everything needed to sustain plant life and more.

Other ways we harm soil and the life within it is by over-tilling and soil compaction. Tilling rapidly reduces organic matter and compacts soil below the tilled layer. Compaction in general impedes drainage and creates an environment lacking sufficient oxygen to support much of the life needed in healthy soil.

Grow the soil, and let the soil grow the plants.

Just like all living organisms, subterranean dwellers' primary activities are growing and reproducing. Through this process of daily life, these creatures are doing things that are vital, not only to the health of the soil but even to our planet.

Here are a few examples of how they do just that:

Organic nutrients become available to feed the plant. In a healthy soil environment, plants use the soil, and soil uses the plants in true symbiotic harmony. As part of the process of making food through photosynthesis, plants drip out exudates through their roots rich in carbon, simple sugars and proteins. Fungi and bacteria devour these exudates and in turn are consumed by larger life forms, all the while returning nutrients back to the soil in a soluble form that can be absorbed by plant roots.

Water is conserved. Many organisms in the soil are important for helping to bind soil particles together. With the help of root hairs and fungal hyphae, and larger burrowing organisms such as earthworms and arthropods, they are able to stabilize these larger aggregates in a way that improves water infiltration, soil porosity and water holding capacity.

Nutrients are stored and cycled. Unlike water soluble inorganic nutrients that quickly leach out of reach, organic matter can immobilize and hold nutrients in place - an especially important trait when plants are not in immediate need of such.

Filtering and deactivating potential pollutants and harmful organisms. Certain soil organisms that can and do consume or compete with other pollutants and harmful disease-causing organisms lurk beneath the surface.

Building back healthy soil is achievable. Take comfort in knowing that soil health can be restored. The bottom line is we have to allow the soil biology to take over again. That means adding back copious amounts of organic matter to feed your soil, rather than inorganic options created to feed your plants. Putting back compost, leaf litter, shredded mulch and food scraps will ignite a fury of activity that will be the catalyst needed to begin the turnaround.

Refrain from salt-based fertilizers and inorganic pesticides that can have adverse consequences below ground, and avoid tilling. The more organic matter you add while refraining from harmful inputs will have everything to do with how quickly your soil food web can be restored.