The physical condition of soil is only partly influenced by the proportions of sand, silt and clay it contains and although adding organic matter can help improve soil, it can only do this if you use the right materials - low in nutrients and high in organic carbon. Even then, your success will still depend on other factors.

Soil is a living system that relies on a balance of factors for its physical condition, nutrient fertility and biological activity. The research that now lets us accurately define this balance and formulate effective ways of managing it is called the Mikhail System.

Developed from 45 years of research by Ted Mikhail on some of the oldest and most fragile soils in the World, the Mikhail System (unlike most of its earlier counterparts) provides a reliable method for improving any soil anywhere in the World. Farmers in more than 26 countries now rely on the Mikhail System for sustainable and profitable production, however, until recently it was unavailable for home garden soil improvement.

Ted Mikhail's profile Ted Mikhail is the soil scientist who developed the Mikhail System

Organic soil improvement Ezine An Ezine for anyone interested in organic soil improvement and sustainable gardening.

About gardening soil What is gardening soil, what is it comprised of and how does it function to support healthy plant growth?

Plant nutrients in the soil Maintaining plant nutrients at the proper levels in soil, so that they are readily available to plants as needed is not so straightforward as many fertilizer makers would have it appear.

Soil balance and the Mikhail System Soil balance is by far the most important factor in determining the friability and function of soil as a medium for plant growth as defined by the Mikhail system.

Soil ecology as it relates to soil improvement Soil ecology is a relatively new field, especially in terms of its practical application to soil improvement.

Garden soil testing for soil improvement Garden soil testing lets you identify any soil problems and develop reliable ways of dealing with them.

Organic soil enhancement Organic soil enhancement, unlike other methods of soil improvement means treating the soil as a Living System.

Maintaining healthy garden soil is easy To ensure you have healthy garden soil, begin with balancing structure, nutrients and biology, then use good gardening methods.

Home Garden Soil Improvement Blog Keeping you up to date with home garden soil improvement technology and research.

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Useful links to other garden websites Some useful links to other sites with helpful gardening information.