Soil Chemistry in Regenerative Agriculture
Throughout human history, our relationship with the soil has affected our ability to cultivate crops and influenced the success of civilizations. This relationship between humans, the earth, and food sources affirms soil as the foundation of agriculture.
Soil chemistry is the branch of soil science that deals with the chemical composition, chemical properties, and chemical reactions of soils. Soils are heterogeneous mixtures of air, water, inorganic and organic solids, and microorganisms (both plant and animal in nature). Chemical reactions between the soil solids and the soil solution influence both plant growth and water quality.
Soil carbon affects the soil properties and is one of the most important elements in soil. Carbon as soil organic matter alters the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soils. On average 58% of soil organic matter – or humus – is carbon. Understanding the basics of soil chemistry helps to build richer soil with more organic matter.
