{"product_id":"building-soil","title":"Building Soil","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"38\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"36\"\u003eBuilding Soil (Elizabeth Murphy)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"382\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"55\"\u003eBuilding Soil\u003c\/em\u003e is a practical, systems-based guide to creating fertile, living soil as the foundation of a productive garden or farm. Elizabeth Murphy focuses on how soil functions as an ecosystem—bringing together organic matter, microorganisms, and management practices that steadily improve structure, fertility, and long-term resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"12c7rhb\" data-start=\"384\" data-end=\"407\"\u003eKey Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"438\"\u003eSoil as a Living System\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"438\" data-end=\"441\"\u003eThis book explains soil as a dynamic ecosystem filled with microbes, fungi, and organic matter working together. Understanding these relationships helps growers move beyond inputs and toward managing soil biology for sustained fertility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"682\" data-end=\"720\"\u003ePractical Soil-Building Techniques\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"720\" data-end=\"723\"\u003eCovers core methods such as composting, mulching, cover cropping, and reduced tillage. Each approach is grounded in real-world application, helping growers improve soil step by step.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"909\" data-end=\"952\"\u003eImproving Structure and Water Retention\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"955\"\u003eHealthy soil holds moisture, drains well, and supports strong root growth. The book connects soil-building practices directly to better drought resilience, reduced erosion, and improved plant health.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1208\"\u003eNutrient Cycling and Organic Matter Management\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1211\"\u003eFocuses on how nutrients are stored, released, and recycled through organic matter. This reduces the need for external inputs and builds long-term fertility within the system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1390\" data-end=\"1431\"\u003eAdaptable for Gardens and Small Farms\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1431\" data-end=\"1434\"\u003eThe principles apply across scales—from backyard beds to market gardens and homesteads. The emphasis is on consistent improvement over time rather than quick fixes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1o2c85r\" data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1619\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject: Soil health, composting, regenerative gardening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended Use: Soil improvement, garden planning, regenerative systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkill Level: Beginner to intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLanguage: English\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrations: Diagrams and soil-building visuals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"4dulcd\" data-start=\"1900\" data-end=\"1923\"\u003eGrowing \u0026amp; Use Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1925\" data-end=\"2226\"\u003eUse this book as a foundation for all growing efforts—soil health underpins everything else. Start with compost and mulch, then layer in cover crops and reduced disturbance. Over time, these practices will create soil that is easier to work, more productive, and more resilient to changing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Down To Earth","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45884611166467,"sku":"9781591866190","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/1128\/8067\/files\/0B9017EA-B369-41A2-8FF3-3F7D2988FDE2.jpg?v=1774036898","url":"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/products\/building-soil","provider":"The Farm Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}