Let’s Celebrate The Foundation of Healthy Landscapes

On National Soil Day, we take a moment to recognize one of our ecosystem’s most crucial yet often overlooked components: soil. Healthy soil is the cornerstone of thriving plants, clean water, and resilient ecosystems. This annual observance reminds us of soil’s vital role in sustaining life and how we can protect and improve this precious resource.

Why Soil Matters

Soil isn’t just dirt beneath our feet; it’s a living, breathing system teeming with microorganisms, nutrients, and organic matter. It supports plant growth, regulates water, filters pollutants, and stores carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. Without healthy soil, the foundation of agriculture, forestry, and natural ecosystems would crumble.

However, urban development, deforestation, and intensive farming can degrade soil, leading to erosion, compaction, and nutrient depletion. National Soil Day encourages us to prioritize soil health through sustainable practices, and one of the best ways to do this is by incorporating native and ornamental grasses, as well as native perennials, into our landscapes.

Native Perennials, Grasses, and Sedges: Soil Builders and Biodiversity Boosters

Native perennials like Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower), Solidago (Goldenrod), Coreopsis (Tickseed), native grasses, and sedges (Carex species) all play essential roles in maintaining soil health. Native grasses such as Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) and Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) have deep, fibrous root systems that anchor the soil, prevent erosion, and enhance its structure. These grasses also improve water infiltration and store carbon, contributing to healthier ecosystems and combating climate change.

Sedges, with their dense, fibrous roots, are particularly effective at stabilizing soil and thrive in a range of conditions, from wet to dry. They complement native grasses in landscapes by protecting vulnerable soils and providing lush ground cover in shaded or moist areas.

Together, native grasses, sedges, and perennials enrich the soil with organic matter as their leaves and roots decompose, fostering a thriving soil ecosystem. Their above-ground foliage also shields soil from wind and water erosion, acting as a natural protective barrier.

Moreover, these plants support biodiversity by attracting pollinators, providing habitat for beneficial insects, and offering food and shelter for wildlife. Grasses like Andropogon and sedges like Carex pensylvanica are particularly valuable in creating resilient landscapes that protect soil while adding visual and ecological value. By incorporating native species into gardens and landscapes, we promote soil health and create thriving, sustainable ecosystems.

How You Can Help on National Soil Day

• Plant with Purpose: Incorporate native and ornamental grasses and perennials into your landscape to promote soil health and biodiversity.
• Compost: Add organic matter to your soil to improve its structure, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity.
• Reduce Chemical Use: Limit the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm soil organisms and degrade its quality.
• Support Sustainable Practices: Choose plants from nurseries that prioritize sustainable growing methods and native plant offerings.

Looking Ahead

National Soil Day is a reminder that healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving planet. By prioritizing soil health in our gardens, landscapes, and communities, we contribute to a more sustainable future. Native and ornamental grasses, along with native perennials, offer powerful tools to protect and enhance soil while adding beauty and ecological value to our spaces.

Let’s dig deeper into soil stewardship and plant choices that make a difference!