Grönsaksodling utan grävning- bördigare jord och mer näringsrik mat

Abstract

No-dig gardening is a method of growing crops without turning the soil. Organic matter is added continuously in the form of mulch, which is decomposed and incorporated into the soil by the microorganisms. When plants photosynthesize they convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into carbohydrates, some of which are excreted through the plant roots and fed to the soil microbes. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes and other members of the soil food web convert the carbohydrates into stable forms of carbon, known as humus. The flora and fauna of the soil provide the plants with nutrients and water. The mycorrhizal fungi acts as the plants extended roots, transporting minerals to the plant which the plant roots are unable to obtain by themselves. Digging the soil disturbs the sensitive web of life underground, and can destroy the soil structure and its ability to hold water and nutrients. The purpose of this paper is to research and describe how no-dig gardeners prepare and maintain their organic vegetable gardens. Five gardeners have been interviewed. The results show that the gardeners use different mulches and manures depending on what is available locally. To prepare new beds most of the gardeners start by covering the ground and then layering organic matter on top of the cover. The first years require more maintenance, but as the soil improves over time there is less need for watering, weeding and manures. It can be concluded that no-dig gardening can be done in different ways, the only general rules being that the soil should be disturbed as little as possible and that soil should never be left bare. No-dig gardening aids the carbon sequestration and builds healthy soil, making it a sustainable way to produce food.