Mycelium growing on the surface of an annual vegetable bed. Photo taken 1 year after implementing no-till practices.
Life in the Soil
Soil contains dynamic ecosystems. The life which cycles within this microcosm plays a vital role in establishing and regulating the healthiness of our plants, crops, and trees. Beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria fungi protozoa and nematodes, cycle nutrients and produce organic matter in our soils. This process helps to:
Retain nutrients and hold water
Suppress diseases and diminish pest pressure
Improve the flavor and nutrition of fruits and vegetables
Decompose toxins, such as heavy metals and other chemicals
Build soil structure by producing aggregates that bind organic matter
By observing the active microbiology below-ground, we begin to compose a more complete story about the life in our soils and its impact on the ecosystems above-ground. Rather than treating symptoms, we become stewards of the whole system.
Microscopy
mi·cros·co·py | \ mī-ˈkräs-kə-pē
Investigation using a microscope.
In the world of soil biology and regenerative agriculture, the practice of microscopy enables farmers, scientists, and curious minds alike to investigate the dynamic, living ecosystems of our soils in real time. By doing so, we can gather important information about the current state of the land we’re working- how healthy it is and whether it is improving or declining in this state. With this information, we’re better equipped to make effective land management decisions.
At Sown & Grown, we use a restored Parks Optical 500 Binocular microscope. All images are 400x total magnification unless otherwise noted.
Falling down into the rabbit hole of soil science and microscopy was a paradigm shift. This entire world I’d only ever read about was suddenly at my finger tips - my literal finger tips as I manipulated and maneuvered the stage across my field of vision. Unfolding before me were hundreds of thousands of tiny swirling, whirling, and blobbing creatures… all condensed in just one little point on a field of vision, of one single drop of diluted soil solution, from one small scoop of a soil sample, from one pocket of my farm. The ability to accurately evaluate a soil sample has so much less to do with the fanciness of your equipment and everything to do with having a keen eye for meticulous observation and genuine enthusiasm for all the wonders and curiosities of the world.