Soil is one of the most important substances on Earth — its impact extends from our lawns, to agriculture, to environmental sustainability. Importantly, there’s a big difference between soil and dirt. If you’re interested in gardening and supporting your soil health, continue reading to learn what sets dirt and soil apart, the importance of soil quality, and where you can find quality topsoil to support your lawns and gardens this season.
Soil vs. Dirt
Most of us probably use the terms “soil” and “dirt” interchangeably, and though they can sometimes look similar, there is much more to soil than meets the eye. While dirt may contain some of the same elements of soil, like organic matter, it does not contain a live ecosystem. Another way to think about dirt is as soil that is no longer where it should be — like on the bottom of your shoe.
According to Soils.org, “Soil is a mixture of minerals, dead and living organisms (organic materials), air, and water. These four ingredients react with one another in amazing ways, making soil one of our planet’s most dynamic and important natural resources.”
Soil formation is impacted by organisms, landscape, climate, material, and, critically, time. In fact, just one inch of topsoil can take between 500 and 1,000 years to form on its own. Soil is an essential foundation for all forms of life, so the next time you’re kneeling in your garden to repot a plant, take a moment to reflect: “there are more living organisms in a handful of soil than there are people on the planet” (Source: ClientEarth.org).
The Importance of Soil Quality
Without soil — healthy soil — life on Earth would be impossible. Soil is the driving force of agriculture, which in turn is the driving force of our global food supply. Soil is linked to the economy, sustainability, water filtration, biodiversity, protection from major weather events and so much more. Here are some other fascinating facts about soil and its role in our world:
- Around 95% of global food consumption is in someway dependent on healthy soils, but unfortunately, more than half of all agricultural land has soil degradation (Source: Forbes)
- Soil can become extinct if you remove organic matter from it, turning it to sand in a process called “desertification” (Source: Time)
- Soil stores CO2 and other greenhouse gasses, making it a huge carbon sink — the second biggest after the ocean — it even holds triple the carbon of the atmosphere (Source: org)
- Soil degradation, over-farming, and erosion are key things we must consider in the fight against climate change (Source: NYTimes)
And don’t just picture soil in rural areas or forests, it’s a vital part of our cities, too. According to a paper published by ScienceDirect, “The quality of urban soils plays a critical role in creating and maintaining urban green spaces, which are essential for promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing human health and well-being, and providing social and economic benefits to urban communities.”
Preserving soil isn’t just important to ensure we have enough food, it is also a top-priority conservation effort. And while soil might play a big role on the global stage, you can also consider soil health and all the ways it contributes to the environment by starting in your own backyard.
Improve Lawn and Garden Soil with Help from Lenz Enterprises
Soil is an ecosystem in its own right. As stated in an article from Oregon State University, “ it also contains a healthy microbiome including a wide variety of microscopic insects, mites, bacteria and fungi, which serve to break down organic matter into the elemental forms that plants can use.”
In your yard and garden, both the quality and the ratio of the soil’s organic matter will influence everything from soil structure, to how much water it holds, to the nutrients the soil provides your plants.
Like any ecosystem, what your soil needs to be its healthiest will depend on your region and its weather. Ideally, you have access to high-quality local soil which means you’re using organic matter equipped for your specific climate and regional biosphere.
If you live in western Washington, the good news is that you’re just a short drive away from Lenz Enterprises, a locally-owned sustainable solutions company that has been specializing in the production of quality soil, certified compost and premium mulch for almost 40 years.
Lenz makes their own topsoil using a time-tested process that produces the optimal quality that landscapers and gardeners have come to depend on. From Premium Turf Mix for lawns to Potting Mix and Planting Soil to their own specially formulated GardenBlenz soil products designed to support food and flower gardens, you’ll find soils made to complement your yard’s ecosystem.
If you’re new to gardening and lawn maintenance, or just want a little extra guidance, stop by their retail yard. The team at Lenz Enterprises will answer your questions and review your options.
And if you need bark, crushed rock, round rock, sand, or other landscaping materials for your yard, Lenz Enterprises carries a wide range of bulk products you can purchase by the truckload or have delivered. Learn more by visiting their website or calling 360-629-2933!