5 Soil Myths Debunked

We recently had another meetup event (Are you in Utah? Come join us!) where we discussed common myths and misconceptions with soil & fertilizer. In the age of social media, countless gardening tips and tricks flood platforms like YouTube and TikTok. But how do you separate fact from fiction? This post aims to clear the air by debunking some common myths and misconceptions.

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What Not to Believe: Sifting Through Social Media Claims

You might come across videos and infographics claiming that adding a particular ingredient or product to your soil will instantly revitalize it and boost plant growth. You may have even seen images circulating telling you you can add banana peels for potassium or coffee grounds for nitrogen, or seen ads circulating telling you to add sugar to cure an ailment, or pepper for another. 

The Reality: Soil health is a complex balance of nutrients, pH levels, microbial life, and structure. There’s no instant fix for soil health. Moreover, adding an inappropriate substance is detrimental to soil health.

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Debunking Common Myths & Misconceptions

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Myth #1: Banana Peels add Potassium 

    •    Peels decompose slowly, delaying nutrient release.

    •    They can attract pests and alter soil composition.

    •    Potential pathogens & pesticides from peels can harm soil.

There's a popular belief that burying banana peels in the soil is an effective way to add potassium to your garden. While it's true that banana peels contain potassium, there are a few caveats to consider. First, banana peels decompose very slowly, meaning that the potassium is not immediately available to plants. Additionally, as the peels decompose, they can temporarily alter the soil composition and attract pests, which can be detrimental to the plants. Moreover, banana peels may carry pathogens or pesticide residues that can be harmful to the soil ecosystem. 

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Myth #2: Coffee Grounds add Nitrogen

    •    Coffee grounds are acidic and can alter soil pH.

    •    They compact easily, limiting soil aeration.

    •    Fresh grounds can inhibit plant growth.

While coffee grounds do contain some nutrients, there are several reasons why using them directly can be problematic. First, coffee grounds are slightly acidic and can alter the pH level of the soil, which may not be suitable for all plants. Secondly, coffee grounds tend to compact, potentially reducing water infiltration and soil aeration. Also, fresh coffee grounds can contain compounds that inhibit the growth of certain plants. A more balanced approach is to add coffee grounds to a compost heap. This allows them to decompose and integrate with other organic materials, creating a rich compost that can be safely added to the garden, providing a more balanced set of nutrients without negatively impacting soil structure or pH levels.

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Myth #3: Eggshells add Calcium

    •    Eggshells decompose very slowly, delaying nutrient release.

    •    Their calcium content is minimal and not always sufficient for plant needs.

    •    Can cause soil to be too alkaline for certain plants

While eggshells do contain calcium, there are a few considerations that often go overlooked. First, eggshells decompose at a very slow rate, which means the release of calcium into the soil is gradual and may not be timely for your plants' immediate needs. Additionally, the amount of calcium provided by eggshells is relatively small compared to what some plants might require. Another aspect to consider is that eggshells can raise the pH level of the soil, making it more alkaline, which is not ideal for all plants. Instead of adding crushed eggshells directly to the soil, it's advisable to compost them first. This allows the eggshells to break down more efficiently and mix with other nutrients. Adding this compost to your garden will provide a more balanced nutrient profile and avoid sudden changes in soil pH levels.

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Myth #4: Chicken Feathers add Nitrogen

    •    Feathers decompose slowly, delaying nitrogen release.

    •    They can temporarily tie up soil nitrogen, affecting availability.

    •    Raw feathers may carry diseases or parasites.

While it’s true that chicken feathers contain a substantial amount of nitrogen, there are several caveats to using them directly as a soil amendment. Firstly, chicken feathers decompose extremely slowly due to their keratin content, meaning the nitrogen they contain isn't readily available to plants for a long time. Furthermore, as the feathers break down, they can temporarily tie up soil nitrogen, making it less available to plants in the short term. Additionally, raw feathers can carry diseases or parasites that could be detrimental to your garden. A more efficient approach is to compost chicken feathers with other organic materials. This allows them to break down over time in a controlled environment, after which the compost can be added to the garden, providing a more readily available and balanced source of nutrients, including nitrogen.

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Myth #5: Lobster Shells add Phosphorus

    •    Lobster shells decompose slowly, delaying phosphorus release.

    •    They contain relatively low amounts of phosphorus.

    •    Raw shells can attract pests.

While lobster shells do contain some phosphorus, there are a few things to consider before using them as a soil amendment. First, lobster shells decompose very slowly, meaning that the release of phosphorus into the soil takes time and may not be available when your plants need it. Additionally, the amount of phosphorus in lobster shells is relatively low, so they may not provide enough to meet your plants' needs. Lobster shells also contain chitin, which can be beneficial in small amounts but might attract pests like raccoons or rodents. A more effective and controlled approach is to compost lobster shells along with other organic materials. This allows the shells to break down more completely, and the resulting compost can be used to enrich the soil with a more balanced set of nutrients, including phosphorus.

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Compost Instead

A more effective approach is to compost. This allows them to break down fully in a controlled environment, and then add the finished compost to the soil. This ensures that the nutrients are more readily available to plants and minimizes the risks associated with burying fresh banana peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and more.

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The Takeaway

Be skeptical of any claims that promise instant results. Improving soil health is a gradual process. Focus on regular soil testing and proper maintenance to ensure long-term soil fertility.

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Tips & Tricks

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Recommended Resources

Watch this video and learn how turn your garbage into a composter.

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