Principles of sustainable soil management

1.The soil livestock (soil microbes) cycle provide nutrients to the plants.

2.Organic matter is the food for the soil livestock herd.

3.Tillage speeds the decomposition of organic matter.

4.Excess nitrogen slows down organic matter decomposition and starves plants.

5. The soil should be covered to protect is from erosion and temperature extreme.

6. Mouldboard plowing speeds the decomposition of organic matter, destroys earthworm habitat and increase erosion.

7. Soil fertility levels need to be within acceptable ranges before a soil building program is begun.

8. To built soil organic matter, the production or addition of organic matter must be essential.