The Soil Issue

Mike Kelcourse holds a handful of composted soil at Sunshine Organics in Jacksonville.

Have you ever looked at a patch of dirt as a tabula rasa, a blank slate on which to throw a handful of seeds, and anticipate the delicious vegetables that will arise after a little watering and sunshine? Me too, until a couple of seasons went by with little to show for my minimal efforts. I began to research how to make my garden a nurturing environment for plants, until finally, after a lot of work, that patch of dirt turned into a living ecosystem, and I could harvest the fruits of my labor. Then we moved, and I had a chance to start all over in a new yard. At least this time I knew some of the essential ingredients for a successful garden.

The Soil issue explores what is needed to create a healthy food system. Not surprisingly, that starts from the ground up, transforming the dirt under our feet into vibrant soil that can sustain plant, and human, life. It seems obvious that soil needs to be a healthy ecosystem to grow our food. Unfortunately, agricultural and other human activities, along with the impact of climate change, often deplete nutrients, leading to less-than-optimal long-term farming conditions. The good news is the importance of soil health is getting renewed attention.

For a glimpse into how little things can make a big difference, read Allen Skinner’s piece on the three components that comprise healthy soil, which includes a great case study of soil transformation at a local farm. Want to amend the dirt at home to improve your chances of successful growing? We have a recipe for that. Find out why legumes, considered a nutritional powerhouse in our diets, can also be a healthy addition to your garden. Learn how one local company is diverting food waste and other organic material from the landfill to generate a nutrient rich amendment for Florida’s sandy soils. And for a taste of terroir, be sure to pick up seasonal produce at the market and try this issue’s recipes.

What does it take to grow nutritious food? The answer may be right under our feet. If we want good food, we need good soil. Adopting truly regenerative practices in a way that works with and nurtures the surrounding ecosystem is a start, the sooner the better.

Lauren Titus, Editor

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STORIES FROM THE SOIL ISSUE