Soil quality matters a lot more than you might think. Most people generally understand that soil rich in nutrients will benefit the health of a plant, thus resulting in more fruits, vegetables, or grains. However, the soil plays an even more significant role in the nutritional value of the foods you eat and how well that food smells. Did you know that the soil quality around your neighborhood also plays a role in water conservation, air quality, and the biodiversity of your local ecosystem?
Let’s face it, you probably didn’t wake up this morning thinking about dirt, but we think about it all the time at Eden Development. This is not because we are simply required to do so by local governments but instead because our entire company purpose is directly tied to doing better for the environment and reconnecting people to nature, their health, and their community.
Why Care About Having Great Soil
Good soil leads to healthier communities. The connection between soil health and nutrient-dense food extends to the microbial life within the soil. Mycorrhizal fungi in healthy soil form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient absorption. Research published in Smith’s Soil Biology and Biochemistry journal in 2011 highlights that mycorrhizal associations contribute to increased plant nutrient uptake. Did you know soil nutrition plays a pivotal role in shaping the aroma of our food? Healthy soil, rich in nutrients and a diverse microbial community, provides plants with the optimal conditions to produce various aromatic compounds. Dr. Emily A. Bauer, a flavor chemist, notes, “The terroir effect, commonly associated with wine, extends to various crops. The unique blend of minerals, microbes, and organic matter in the soil imparts distinct aromatic nuances to produce.”
Do you like a cleaner home? Then you should seriously appreciate good soil. Healthy soil outside your home contributes to less dust and allergens being tracked indoors. When soil is well-maintained and stabilized, it is less likely to generate dust particles that can be carried indoors. This is particularly important in areas with dry or loose soil, which can be susceptible to particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, consisting of fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to PM2.5 particles can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Well-maintained soil helps prevent the generation of fine particulate matter.
Healthy soil plays a crucial role in water conservation. First, well-structured soil with good organic matter content has better water retention capacity. This means it can hold onto water for more extended periods, reducing the need for frequent irrigation. Second, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), soil rich in organic matter can significantly reduce water pollution by filtering out contaminants. On top of all that, a well-maintained landscape around your home with healthy soil can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property, potentially increasing its value. Research by Virginia Tech indicates that landscaping can increase property value by as much as 15%.
What Can Be Done To Improve Soil
It’s time to redeem the soil in our fields and around our homes. At Eden, we believe in regenerative agriculture, natural lawn care practices, composting, and eating closer to home. This holistic approach focuses on restoring and enhancing the health of ecosystems.
Start a Home Garden: Whether you have a backyard or just a few pots on a balcony, starting a home garden is a tangible way to embrace regenerative practices. Grow your own vegetables, herbs, and fruits, incorporating compost and avoiding synthetic fertilizers. Within Eden Development communities, there are organic farming operations and orchards providing for the community neighbors, natural community gardens, and even environmentally sustainable gardening workshops designed to help your family grow wonderful foods.
Composting: Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost. Composting reduces waste and enhances soil fertility, contributing to the regenerative cycle. We encourage our neighborhood community members to compost independently, but Eden Development strives to provide quality compost and composting solutions for community use.
Natural Lawn Care: It’s time to start a sustainable approach to maintaining your yard that’s kind to the environment and beneficial for your health and well-being. Natural lawn care is about embracing eco-friendly practices that prioritize the health of the soil, reduce reliance on chemical treatments, and foster a balanced, biodiverse ecosystem right in your backyard. At Eden Development, we believe it is vital for more homeowners to adopt techniques like organic fertilization, smart watering, and natural weed control.
A critical part of supporting the environment is to start locally by redeeming the soil. As a community developer, Eden Development is committed not only to building sustainably and passing the ‘environmental test’ but also to raising the standard of living. This means we are implementing organic & regenerative agriculture practices in our community gardens & orchards, offering composting stations, using natural lawn care around all community areas and buildings, and maintaining healthy natural areas. We are focused on a safer and more connected community that is healthier and more environmentally sustainable.
References & Additional Information Resources:
Smith, S.E., et al. (2011). Mycorrhizal associations and nutrient uptake. In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry.
World Health Organization. Health impacts of PM2.5 exposure.
Environmental Protection Agency. Soil and water conservation.
Virginia Tech. The impact of landscaping on property values.
