Did you know that soil is the most important influence on plant growth? Some of the key soil functions include: physical support for plants, the source of nutrients and water for plant growth and, food and biomass production. In fact, the Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 95% of our food production depends on soil. To help put that all into perspective, we interviewed soil expert, Cristina da Silva on Corona’s Green Industry Leaders Network, #plantchat podcast series.
In addition, nutrient recycling; carbon sequestration including CO2; and the filtration/purification of water are all accomplished by the world’s soils. Soil is a biological habitat for microorganisms and a source of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals now and for the future.
On this episode, Cristina Da Silva, owner of Soil Groundwork, an online resource for information on soil, and founder of #Groundchat on Twitter. Cristina draws from a deep well of knowledge and experience, with both a BS and an MS in Horticulture plus a Residential Garden Design certificate. She has scientific papers in the Plant Physiology Journal and more 100 garden/gardening magazine articles plus a gardening column for a major national newspaper. In addition to being a professional horticulturist and designer, she adds that she is a “real gardener” and her 30-year career includes running a garden design/maintenance firm.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Cristina in this GILN podcast episode, to find out her best tips for working with your garden soil.
Key discussion points in this #Plantchat podcast include:
- Why is soil important?
- Explain the “Big Picture“ for soil
- What does pH mean?
- What is the best way to test and get to know your own soil?
- What is soil texture?
- What is soil structure?
- How does tilling affect garden soil?
- What are the Top 3 Common Myths about soil?
- What are the best ways to prevent and correct compacted soil?
- Are there specialized plants for “problem soils” like sand, clay, acidic, alkaline, wet or dry?
- What are some alternatives to dealing with poor soil?
- What is the single most important Soil Tip?
Listen Now, Chat Later
Since 2010, Corona along with its industry partners have hosted tree-related topics via Twitter. Our podcast format gives chat participants an opportunity to hear the chat take place, and then connect live with the host and guests. It's an opportunity to ask questions about the podcast, the general topic discussed or get more information on something that was shared.
Download and subscribe to the Green Industry Leaders Network podcast on Simplecast, iTunes or Google Play. Be sure to connect with Corona Tools and share your thoughts on this podcast.
Join Us Live via Twitter
The live discussion takes place on 10/16/18 at 11AM PT/ 2PM ET. To join the discussion, log on to Twitter and search for #plantchat. If you are using Twitter, be sure to select "Latest" at the top to see the latest tweets.
So listen to the podcast while you garden, or as you commute to the office, then join us for the live chat. And please share the good news on your favorite social networks too!
Resources
Be sure to connect with both our guest and with us on all our websites and social media networks. Connect with Chris at Corona Tools on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Connect with Cristina da Silva on social networks on Twitter and Facebook.