Keywords
gardening
urban horticulture
urban soils
How to Cite
Abstract
The excitement of watching a seed sprout into a flourishing plant is a joy for all who cultivate their own urban gardens. Many think of soil as a mere support for those plants, a substance that anchors them into the ground. However, soil is a dynamic and life-sustaining medium that nourishes plants. There is a complex ecosystem beneath the soil surface, composed of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and countless microorganisms. Understanding soil fertility is vital to plant growth. This publication is written for individuals tending to lawns, shrubs, trees, or flowers in urban settings. It introduces essential terms of soil fertility, explains the role of soil properties in supporting healthy plants, and familiarizes readers with methods to enhance soil fertility within the context of urban settings. It also serves as a guide to empower non-farmers and urban residents, offering insights into plant nutrient requirements and the principles of effective nutritional care.
References
Baldock, J. A., and P. N. Nelson. 2000. “Soil Organic Matter.” In Handbook of Soil Science, edited by M. E. Sumner.
CRC Press. Chapman, H. D. 1965. “Cation‐Exchange Capacity.” In Methods of Soil Analysis: Part 2 Chemical and Microbiological Properties, edited by A. G. Norman. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronmonogr9.2.c6
Hodges, S. C. 2010. Soil Fertility Basics: NC Certified Crop Advisor. North Carolina State University Soil Science Extension. https://www.online-pdh.com/file.php/562/FER_SG.pdf
Mengel, K., E. A. Kirkby, H. Kosegarten, and T. Appel. 2001. “Plant Nutrients.” In Principles of Plant Nutrition. Springer Dordrecht https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-1009-2_1
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