Types of Bulk Organic Soil

Believe it or not, there is more to soil than it just being ‘dirt’ – there are several types of organic soil as well as inorganic options to fill your planting and gardening needs.

All of the different organic options can get a bit confusing which can lead to you spending more money on organic soil than you should. We’re going to tell you a bit more about organic soil and the various types of soil organic matter you’ll likely need. Sequoia Soil Company proudly offers Bulk Organic soil and potting mixes in Humboldt, Mendocino and Lake Counties.

What is Organic Soil?

Organic soil comes from decomposing plant and decaying animal materials which helps to create a nutrient-rich eco-system for your plants’ roots. In truly organic soil, there are no chemicals or pesticides, nor are there any synthetic components.

Organic soil will also contain worms, microorganisms, and possibly some (good) fungus.

Types of Soil Organic Matter

There are several types of soil organic matter that can change the composition of your organic soil. You can choose to use any of this matter as a soil amendment or on its own as a specific type of organic soil.

• Manure is animal dung, typically from horses, cows, or chickens, often used as an organic fertilizer as it adds it returns nutrients to the planting area. It is typically composted for a certain amount of days to reduce volumes, and kill pathogens
• Humus is made of decaying plant materials, most often from leaves
• Mushroom Soil has been previously used to commercially grow mushrooms, leaving it full of nutrients. This type of organic soil will slowly break down and can be considered a type of slow-release fertilizer
• Compost is an organic material that may include pieces of wood/twigs, leaves, and even kitchen scraps. The difference between compost and regular soil is that compost lacks pieces of rocks and other minerals
• Peat Moss is a mixture of sphagnum moss and other formerly living organisms found in peat bogs. The moss makes this type of organic soil fibrous and nutrient-dense.

Each of these five types of organic soil or soil organic matter can be an important factor in how plants thrive and grow. Some have higher or lower pH levels making them more effective for certain plants or climates.

Buying Organic Soil

When you choose to buy organic soil, you’ll want to be sure that it is free of pesticides/synthetic materials and include the ideal types of soil organic matter for your crops. The seller of your soil should be able to prove that it meets organic standards by showing their certifications.

If you’re interested in learning more about types of organic soil or making a bulk organic soil purchase that will help your plants grow, fill out our online form or contact us directly!