Soil Health & Preparation for Organic Farming

Introduction:

Soil is the core of organic farming. The primary objective of organic farming is to improve soil health so that micro-organisms thrive in it, thereby increasing soil fertility and producing crops naturally and without chemicals.

If you also want to get a great quality harvest without any chemicals, improving soil health is very important. Read this blog completely. It explains step-by-step how to improve soil health.

This blog covers different methods to improve soil health, such as mulching, composting, and natural soil health improvement methods.

🌾 Why Soil Health Matters in Organic Farming

Full of beneficial microbes
Rich in organic matter
Well-draining yet moisture-retentive
Resistant to pests and diseases
Balanced in nutrients & pH

Poor soil = low crop yield, plant infections, and stress.

Organic farming turns soil into a living ecosystem instead of treating it like a lifeless growing medium.

🧪 Step 1: Soil Testing & Analysis

Before starting organic farming, conduct a soil test to determine:

pH level (ideal: 6.0–7.5 based on crop type)
NPK levels (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)
Organic matter percentage
Presence of heavy metals & contaminants

You can use:
🔹 Government agriculture labs
🔹 Private soil testing centers
🔹 DIY soil test kits .

Soil Condition	Solution
Too acidic (pH < 6)	Add lime, wood ash, bone meal
Too alkaline (pH > 7.5)	Add compost, cow dung, sulfur, peat moss

🌿 Step 2: Improve Organic Matter Content

Organic matter increases the soil’s water retention capacity. Carbon matter also improves soil aeration, which increases the number of microorganisms and significantly improves one’s health.

Best Natural Organic Matter Sources:

Vermicompost
Composted cow dung
Green manures (dhaincha, clover)
Bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter, Trichoderma, Rhizobium)

Apply compost at 2–4 tons per acre, depending on soil quality.

♻️ Step 3: Composting Techniques for Organic Farming

Compost is the primary fertilizer in organic farming. Initially, compost provides the nutrients needed.

Popular Composting Methods:

Method	Benefits
Vermicomposting	Fast nutrient-rich compost
Pit composting	Easy to maintain
NADEP composting	No turning required
Bokashi method	Fermented compost, odour-free

🍂 Step 4: Mulching for Moisture & Weed Control

Mulching reduces water evaporation which is beneficial in water conservation , prevents weed growth and increases soil organic matter.

Mulching Materials to Use:

✔ dry leaves
✔ straw
✔ sugarcane bagasse
✔ coconut husk
✔ rice husk
✔ grass clippings

Avoid chemically treated materials.

🧬 Step 5: Use Natural Bio-Fertilizers

Bio-fertilizers enhance soil biology naturally.

Bio-fertilizer	Function
Rhizobium	Fixes nitrogen in legumes
Azotobacter	Nitrogen fixation in non-legumes
Trichoderma	Controls soil-borne diseases
Mycorrhiza	Improves water & nutrient absorption

Apply during seed treatment, soil application, or seedling transplanting.

🌾 Step 6: Adopt Crop Rotation & Intercropping

Avoid growing the same crop repeatedly on the same land.

Rotate cereals, pulses, vegetables, and oilseeds
Combine repellent + attractive plants for natural pest control
Example: Tomato + Marigold, Cabbage + Garlic

This increases soil fertility and breaks pest cycles.

❓ FAQs

1. How long does it take to improve soil health naturally?

Typically 3–12 months, depending on soil condition and organic inputs.

2. Which soil is best for organic farming?

Loamy soil with balanced pH and high organic matter is ideal.

3. Can I use animal manure directly?

No. Always compost it first to kill pathogens and weed seeds.

🌱 Soil Health & Preparation for Organic Farming: The Complete Beginner’s Guide (2025)