Soil Science for Gardeners: Working with Nature to Build Soil Health by Robert Pavlis
Robert Pavlis . Unknown Year . English
Build healthy soil and grow better plants Robert Pavlis, a gardener for over four decades, debunks common soil myths, explores the rhizosphere, and provides a personalized soil fertility improvement program in this three-part popular science guidebook. Healthy soil means thriving plants. Yet untangling the soil food web and optimizing your soil health is beyond most gardeners, many of whom lack an in-depth knowledge of the soil ecosystem. Soil Science for Gardeners is an accessible, science-based guide to understanding soil fertility and, in particular, the rhizosphere – the thin layer of liquid and soil surrounding plant roots, so vital to plant health. Coverage includes: Soil biology and chemistry and how plants and soil interact Common soil health problems, including analyzing soil's fertility and plant nutrients The creation of a personalized plan for improving your soil fertility, including setting priorities and goals in a cost-effective, realistic time frame. Creating the optimal conditions for nature to do the heavy lifting of building soil fertility Written for the home gardener, market gardener, and micro-farmer, Soil Science for Gardeners is packed with information to help you grow thriving plants.
Categories: Science Fiction
About the Author
Robert Pavlis is a well-known speaker, and educator with over 40 years of gardening experience. He is the author of two books, Building Natural Ponds, and Garden Myths and publishes the popular gardening blogs; GardenMyths.com and GardenFundamentals.com. As the owner and head gardener of Aspen Grove Gardens, a six-acre botanical garden, he grows 3,000 varieties of plants. Who Am I? I live in Southern Ontario, Canada, which has a US zone 5 climate and have been gardening for more than 30 years – I stopped counting at 30! I am a Master Gardener and speak about gardening at many local gardening events and horticulture meetings. I contribute the ‘Plant of the Month’ articles for the Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society, write articles for some local newspapers and teach several courses including a 20 hr Gardening Fundamentals course at the local university and a garden design course through the city. I am a plantaholic! I have a background in chemistry and biochemistry which allows me to research topics and understand the underlying science behind things. Once I understand the topic it is then my task to present the information in an easy to understand style that is both informative and fun to read. My gardening philosophy: – Understand the ‘why’ in everything you do. – Look to nature for answers – mother nature already knows how to garden. – KISS in the garden; KISS = keep it simple stupid. – Bugs and diseases are part of life – learn to live with it. – Organic gardening works – too bad ‘organic fanatics’ mislead the public. – Have fun – or stop doing it.
