At Worm Power, we do not use the word “dirt.” Instead, we talk about soil. You may have noticed that, and, in fact, it is done intentionally. We don’t say dirt when discussing soil because it’s not the same. Dirt is dead. Dirt does not support life. Soil is extremely complex; it is alive, and it supports life, too. Soil is the skin of the earth, a working, living organ, that functions to protect and provide a foundation for all living things. Here’s a quick look at some of the reasons soil is not dirt.
Soil is teaming with life. According to Dr. Lois Berg Stack from the University of Maine, a handful of soil contains a variety of microorganisms. Many of these are vital to supporting plant and animal life. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, algae, and invertebrates like earthworms. These tiny creatures restore the soil, water, and air. They work constantly to break down organic matter into useful nutrients for plants. Because the soil and microorganisms that live in it are constantly working to balance the chemical properties of the earth, soil plays a crucial part in cycling nitrogen and carbon through the atmosphere, even controlling climate. Dirt does not contain levels of organic matter high enough to support life and does not have the microorganism life cycle taking place within it the way soil does.
Healthy soil can support plant life with more than just organic nutrients. Water is delivered through the soil. Because soil has an aggregate and a porosity that can hold water, it allows plants to absorb the water from within the soil. The same is true for carbon and oxygen. Plants need certain gases, much like people do, to break down sugars and release energy. Because of the pores within the soil, root systems can take in vital gasses that are trapped in the pores. Soil also provides anchorage for roots. The tiny pores and crevices beneath the surface give root systems something to hold onto. This not only gives a solid foundation for the plants, soil also prevents erosion from wind and water.
The last thing a grower wants is for the soil to turn to dirt. Dirt offers none of the life-sustaining qualities that soil can provide. Soil, given the valuable asset that it is, must be cared for and conserved for it to stay functional. As mentioned before, soil is like a working organ, like skin, and just as a healthy body needs to be maintained, so does soil. Our bodies need proper nutrition and maintenance, clean water, and care in the same way the soil needs to be cared for. Worm Power can be a small part of maintaining your healthy soil, returning important nutrients and organic matter to your soil as it works, day in and day out.
Worm Power, the world leader in organic Vermicompost products, helps growers improve crop yield and plant performance through increased root development and plant nutrient uptake. Let us help you improve your soil’s health.