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On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Anyone paying any attention to the aggregates in their soil? Anyone know exactly what they are and why they are important? Hmmmm. Just wondering? The first person who really interested me in this was Dan (THE MAN) Sunderland. He pays a lot of attention to soil aggregates. I am posting this just to get your attention and to see what you know.

4/1/2020 2:46:13 PM

Central NY

We’re not paying attention to them....but we have good soil here in the northeast...good aggregate levels must be....I’m sure glen will weigh in

4/1/2020 3:36:02 PM

Grittyville, WA

Which Glen? I think you might have to add all of the Glen's together to get a good answer.

4/1/2020 7:36:24 PM

Grittyville, WA

If Dan is THE MAN then porkchop is is like... THE ALMIGHTY? Let's get back to talking about aggregates. By aggregates... That's a nice way of saying poop? Bacteria poop. Worm poop. And... Maybe just poop. Great topic Marv. Don't know much about it. All that comes out of me is sunshine and roses!!!

4/1/2020 7:43:36 PM

Ireland

The underlying issues here are:
1.Parent bedrock
2.Ca:Mg ratio
3.Grower inputs

Imbalances of Magnesium over Calcium will 'tighten' up your soil resulting in large peds instead of the desired fine crumb structure.

4/2/2020 5:19:25 AM

Central NY

Fine crumb structure....mmmmm....yummy soil

4/2/2020 9:17:11 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

What is an aggregate and why do we need it? An aggregate is a group of individual soil particles that are bound, or glued, together. The presence and stability of aggregates is critical for capturing and storing both water and nutrients. The more water we can capture and store in the soil the better chance we have of growing a good crop. Stable soil aggregates increase the soil’s water holding capacity. Aggregates also help in root development, which helps the plant take up more water and nutrients. Aggregate stability is dependent on soil organic matter and biological activity in the soil. Certain fungal groups and other organisms, like earthworms, secrete glue like substances that help hold the particles together. Decomposing organic matter also provides glues. Soil disruption such as tilling destroys aggregates.

4/2/2020 12:20:36 PM

Central NY

Dam...I’m destroying mine...how quick after tilling do they re-aggregate?...at least I’m chopping up the worms so the pieces grow new worms...more worms equals more aggregate....it’s a balancing act....

4/2/2020 1:36:49 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

I tilled some sections of my garden 7 times last year. I know you chided me Marv that I was hurting myself by doing that. I disagree. It all depends on what your are starting with. I was starting with almost pure sand. I do not believe that I had much for aggregates or microbiology to begin with. For the aggregates to form, you have to have certain amount of other things. Someone that has very developed soil...tilling is could cause more destruction than being helpful. For someone building something, the better the base is mixed..the better the final product will be. I am still building...much tilling for me this year.

4/2/2020 8:49:31 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

It was thought not so long ago that the plants actually ate the soil. The guy who invented the rototiller had the goal of breaking the soil into smaller pieces so that the plants could more easily eat them.

4/2/2020 10:24:39 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Bnot, your situation is quite different from most other growers. I doubt anyone right now is facing the hurdle you have. You are essentially starting from zero.

4/3/2020 10:08:11 AM