Soil-based agriculture has been the foundation of human civilization for millennia. It is the method of cultivating plants in the natural soil and is still the dominant form of agriculture in most parts of the world. Soil-based agriculture has many advantages over other forms of agriculture, such as hydroponics or aeroponics, as it is more sustainable, cost-effective, and produces healthier crops.

However, soil-based agriculture requires a deep understanding of soil and plant biology, which can only be obtained through specialized training courses. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of soil-based agriculture training courses and why they are essential for anyone who wants to become a successful farmer or gardener.

Understanding Soil Health

Soil health is critical to the success of soil-based agriculture. The soil is a complex ecosystem that contains millions of microorganisms, nutrients, and organic matter. Soil-based agriculture training courses help farmers and gardeners understand the principles of soil health and how to maintain it. They teach how to test the soil for nutrients, pH, and other factors that affect plant growth.

Soil Management

Soil-based agriculture training courses teach farmers and gardeners how to manage soil effectively. They learn how to till the soil, add organic matter, and manage pests and diseases. They also learn about crop rotation, cover crops, and other methods of soil management that improve soil health and increase crop yields.

Crop Production

Soil-based agriculture training courses teach farmers and gardeners how to produce healthy and nutritious crops. They learn about plant selection, planting techniques, and crop management practices that promote growth and yield. They also learn about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control methods that are specific to soil-based agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture

Soil-based agriculture is inherently sustainable as it relies on natural processes to produce healthy crops. However, soil-based agriculture training courses teach farmers and gardeners how to be more sustainable by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. They learn about organic farming practices, such as composting and crop rotation, that promote healthy soil and reduce environmental damage.

In conclusion, every gardener should invest in equipping themselves with a range of urban farming skills, including soil-based techniques. 

You can find out more about our Urban Farming Training Programme, which includes a good mix of soil-based techniques and soil-less techniques.