Jack Harer
Well-Known Member
Aside from the obvious must read "Teeming with microbes" (Every grower should have a copy), Dr Elaine Ingham is one of the foremost authorities on soil microbiology. I highly suggest everyone do their research and follow her research as chief scientist at the Rodale Institute. Google, and Google Scholar are wonderful research tools for material on soil micro-biology.
http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/concepts/soil_biology/soil_food_web.html
http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/
http://5e.plantphys.net/
And the Textbook for planphys:
http://easilybooksdownload.blogspot.com/2011/07/plant-physiology-by-taiz-and-zeiger-5th.html
If you are going to grow in soil, you HAVE to understand the soil, and soil microbiology. I see many here who approach growing in soil and soiless mixes the same as they would a hydroponic grow, using chemical salt nutrients, and constantly chasing pH. Properly done, an ORGANIC soil grow is self regulating and self sustaining, with little or no adjustments needed from the grower. It couldn't be easier to run, but the necessary education in soil biology, botany and understanding the soil food web requires more effort than many seem willing to exert.
http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/concepts/soil_biology/soil_food_web.html
http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/
http://5e.plantphys.net/
And the Textbook for planphys:
http://easilybooksdownload.blogspot.com/2011/07/plant-physiology-by-taiz-and-zeiger-5th.html
If you are going to grow in soil, you HAVE to understand the soil, and soil microbiology. I see many here who approach growing in soil and soiless mixes the same as they would a hydroponic grow, using chemical salt nutrients, and constantly chasing pH. Properly done, an ORGANIC soil grow is self regulating and self sustaining, with little or no adjustments needed from the grower. It couldn't be easier to run, but the necessary education in soil biology, botany and understanding the soil food web requires more effort than many seem willing to exert.
