Soil balance: a balance between opposing forces

Balance is described as: ‘a state of balance between opposing forces’. The Mulder’s Chart shows that it can be quite a challenge to coordinate nutritional elements in order to achieve harmony. Some elements counteract each other, others reinforce each other.

A balance between opposing forces

Balance is of importance within Pireco’s vision. We take this into account with:

• The composition of our products: which herbs we have to combine, in which combinations and in which concentrations.
• The chemical composition of the soil: the pH, the CEC and the available elements, the so called a-biotic or non-living factors.
• The biotic factors: the influences of all living organisms on each other.
• The structure of the soil: the soil permeability.
• The biology, chemistry and structure are all important. But can a ranking between these factors be distinguished?

The biology, chemistry and structure are all important. But can a ranking between these factors be distinguished?

Protiklad →→ Neutralizace

Synergie →→ Spolupráce

Start with the foundation                                                                                                                                          

If you build a house you start with the foundation. What is the foundation of healthy plant growth? Many will say the biology must be in order, and yes this is where biology is hugely important. But biology, the bacteria, fungi an other organisms need a place to live. In other words: the structure of the soil must contain sufficient oxygen for some form of viability of the soil life. How do you get enough oxygen in the soil or how does a good soil structure develop?

 

Structure                                                                                                                                                                        

Structure starts with the balance of the elements in the soil. The clay-humus complex, or the cation exchange capacity (CEC) is negatively charged and capable of binding positive ions. An ideal percentage can be indicated here. The ideal occupancy rate of the clay humus complex (CEC) is 60-70% calcium, 10-20% magnesium and 2-5% potassium. As a result, there is always 10% space that can be filled with hydrogen. Hydrogen determines the pH of the soil and ensures that nutrient elements, including many important trace elements, are available for the crop.

Calcium-magnesium                                                                                                                                                      

The calcium-magnesium ratio is very important in a well-balanced soil. Positively charged magnesium particles surround themselves with water in the soil, calcium does not do this. Especially on drier sandy soils more magnesium can help to retain water. On heavier soils, a good calcium content can positively influence the structure. The correct ratio between calcium and magnesium contributes to the creation of accommodation for soil life.

To determine the occupation rate at the clay humus complex and which steps we need to take to correct imbalance, you must start with a good soil sample. Pireco uses the Kinsey-Albrecht method. This method clearly shows the occupation at the clay humus complex with the possible correction to come to a more balanced state. With this method we build a house suitable for soil life.

The correct order is then:

  – Correcting the ´chemical´ composition of the soil whereby;                                                                                         – The structure of the soil is put in order and because of that;                                                                                       – Biology or soil life has a home to live in.

Of course, more factors play a role, but the message is: ‘balance on all aspects’ For Pireco balance and natural systems are very important. This is how we develop our products and in this way we work together with the grower to support and optimize the natural regenerative capacity of the soil and crop.