The term green collars refers to a set of plant protection strategies that include: mulching, hand picking leaves, and keeping plants in partial shade. By doing these things, you are protecting your plants from sun damage, wetting issues, and escaping cold.
By staying in partial shade of your plants, they are preventing direct sun exposure which can also protect the rest of the campus from some harmful rays. By not allowing excessive heat to radiate from the plant, soil, or pot it is protecting.
Green collars are planters that have a circular concrete base that is covered with vegetation. This structure protects the underlying soil from dryness and heat stresses. By not having a heavy pot on this piece of wood, there is less risk of cracking or breaking due to temperature changes.
History of soil science
In antiquity, people recognized that soil had important effects on the environment and that particular soils promoted various processes, such as rainwater runoff, Bedrock drainage, and natural fertilization.
These early scientists and thinkers did not just describe soil but also reviewed past practices that involved it. For example, when looking at old farm practices, people often reviewed how easily earth was moved and how effective it was at producing a rich topsoil over the long run.
During the late 1700s and early 1800s, people started using chemical applications for farming. These materials were believed to be more effective than just moving the soil around to produce a richer topsoil.
However, during the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a resurgence in using only natural methods for farming. People felt that they were producing more natural things at that time so they continued using those methods.
Types of soil
Soil is a very important element in farming. There are five main types of soil: sand, loam, rocky, gravel, and pure clay. Each has its own properties as well as differences in how it relates to water and placement in the ground.
Sand soil typically does not hold water well which is why it is typically placed in shells or a pod. This type of soil should be placed close to the ocean or near a body of water where there is constant flow of water.
Loam soils generally relate to where you put your vegetable garden. These tend to be rich in organic material which binds with the ground creating a thick layer over the surface. The area needs to be fertile so that sufficient moisture can reach the soil.
Clay soils are typically located where you would place your flowers and plants that require very little rainfall such as roses. These require very dry conditions for growth so check with your local weather office before starting any type of planting.
Soil formation
Soil formation occurs when plant material sticks to the ground and changes the composition of the soil. This includes trees, crops, and people that places plants in the soil.
Soil development occurs when a large piece of plant material becomes firmly rooted in an empty space in the soil. This space becomes a reservoir for water and nutrients for other plants.
When fully developed, this developed landform is capable of holding years of growth. Preserving landforms such as potholes or depressions can be expensive to replace.
Structure of soil
There are two main elements that make up the structure of the soil: matter, or material, and pressure, or pressure.
matter includes rocks, trees, roots, grain deposits, and bedding materials. Pressure includes hills and valleys in the ground.
These elements work together to create a living soil. A healthy soil contains a wide range of nutrients and natural substances that enhance the growth of plants.
Plants consume these nutrients and substances and use them to build their structures and defend themselves against pests and weather changes. This is why it is so important to maintain a healthy depth of soil when planting new things.
When plants stand out from the ground level down, they add details such as leaf tips or branches. This is why it is important to choose plants that are appropriate for your location as well as describe them fully to the plant department at your plant store.
Aeration and water retention
An important part of sprinkler systems is the ability to retain moisture. This feature allows you to keep plants or flowers or vegetables comfortable by letting them stay wet for a few minutes after watering.
This feature is very important as it prevents dryness and Clubroot, a fungal disease that causes soil to collapse and be lost.
How does water retention work? Well, when sprinklers are running, they soak up water quickly. This allows plants to be comfortable as they sit in their own moisture, which stays fresh for a few days.
When sprinklers are finished raking, standing or walking around the plants, letting them sit in the water makes sure they stay hydrated.
Nutrient cycling
As mentioned earlier, plants need nitrogen and sunlight to survive. This is true even though they cannot get it all, they can conserve it in their bodies.
The process of nutrient cycling refers to how plants obtain their needs for nitrogen and sunlight. It determines how lush a plant is!
Plants receive nutrients from two sources: the environment and the plant itself. The way a plant receives nutrients depends on whether it is an individual, organ, or whole plant.
Individual plants receive nutrients from two sources: external (e.g., sunlight) or internal (e.g., soil). Internal plants receive nutrients through special structures called nodules, which contain a special enzyme that aids in nutrient uptake.
Internal nodules are usually located near the base of the plant where there are not too many roots to absorb them. These nodular systems are sometimes referred to as roots-of-nodule.
Microbes in the soil
Another fascinating topic is the role of microbes in the soil. Many non-scientists think of soil as just dirt, but that’s not true.
As you know, soil contains dissolved minerals like calcium, potassium, and oxygen absorptive factors likearie.
But there are also special bacteria and other microorganisms living in your soil. Some of these are generaically-known “microbes” such as fungi and nematodes. Others are specific species of microbes.
Many people are not aware that their own backyard or a supermarket storeway full of mysterious critters and processes that humans don’t understand very well. Even scientists aren’t always sure what happens in the soil!
This article will discuss some of the more common soil microbial species and how they contribute to beneficial or harmful effects on plants.
Organic matter in the soil
The term matter in the soil is not really defined in standard works. Matter in the soil includes dead and alive plant cells, manure, organic and inorganic materials, and other matter such as gravel.
One of the biggest unknowns about gardening is what matter you can put down. Luckily, there are a few things we can do to improve our soil health, like adding compost or by working with our landowner to get better results.
Work with your landowner to find an acceptable solution for your garden style and budget. If you have to go through a wasted year due to tillage or vegetative reproduction, so be it! You will have better soil health the next season anyway.
