For a seed to grow and bear abundant fruit, it must fall on good soil. Since a seed cannot move once it has taken root, the type of soil it is planted in is crucial to its growth. So what exactly makes soil good for plants?
The quality of soil is determined by its properties. Good soil is well-drained and breathable, allowing water and oxygen to flow freely. It is also rich in microorganisms. These microorganisms—similar to the gut bacteria that support our immune system—constantly break down the remains of plants and animals, supplying nutrients to growing plants and helping prevent pests and disease. The very structure of soil that allows for drainage and aeration is shaped by the activity of these microbes. But when too much chemical fertilizer or pesticide is used, the microorganisms die, and the soil hardens. In such conditions, it becomes difficult for anything to grow. Simply put, living, active soil is good soil.
When the soil is good, more than half the work of farming is already done. That’s why a wise farmer doesn’t only focus on the crops but pays careful attention to maintaining the soil. Just as we often compare our minds to a field, if we nurture our hearts well, won’t the goals we strive for also bear good fruit?