Soil is far more than “dirt” -it’s a living ecosystem teeming with microorganisms, fungi, earthworms, and microbes. Healthy soil provides the physical structure, water, and nutrients plants need to grow. It anchors roots, holds moisture, and supplies essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Soil microbes and fungi transform and recycle nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, making them available to plants. 

The acidity or alkalinity of the soil, known as pH, plays an important role in the plants’ ability to take up soil nutrients. When nutrients are depleted from soil due to pH extremes, poor organic material, leaching and contamination, plants can wither and die. Signs of deficiency are easy to see and the treatment can improve plant health and production.

Join our UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardeners to learn about various gardening techniques and explore new topics for your landscaping ventures through lectures and discussion to help you excel in your yard.