Whats the best way to restore depleted soil?
Depleted soils should be tested by analysis for mineral content and for organic content. Specifically, which minerals are deficient and by how much? Assume that you will be gardening to a depth of approximately of 12 inches (30 cm). Calculate how much organic material should be added to bring the total organic content in that gardening layer up to 15% by volume. The process of restoring the soil is as follows: Rake the soil clean and smooth. Apply the needed amount of well composted organic material along with the needed amount of the mineral nutrients and fork this material into the soil. Repeat the raking to clean and smooth. Throughly water the cleaned soil, allow what ever weed seeds present to germinate, hand weed and then plant. Add an additional generous layer of well composted organic material as a mulch. Most soils recovering from depletion need twice a year feedings of composted organic material to rebuild their communities of soil micro and macro-organisms. Allowing the soil
